Richland County Deputies Enforce Boating Safety

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — On Monday, local law enforcement agencies enforced boating safety on Lake Murray. This Memorial Day, dozens of boaters flocked to Lake Murray to enjoy a day on the water. “There’s definitely a lot more people out than there is normally, there’s a lot more traffic,” said boater Donnie Golans. With more boaters out on the water, law enforcement officials were out in full force to ensure boating safety. “We’ll write warning tickets and that just really helps people be aware,” explained Richland County Deputy Ben Fields. ABC Columbia rode along with Deputy Fields, who was out on patrol looking for safety violations, like speeding in a wake zone and not having the right boating equipment. “We’re doing safety boat check, making sure people have their life jackets,” said Fields. “We’re also looking to make sure people have lights on at nighttime so they’re visible and people can see them.” Deputy Fields said safety checks include looking for drivers under the influence. “It’s a huge concern, huge concern,” said Fields. “Certainly there are bars on the lake and then of course people consume a lot of alcohol and then the sun, it’s hot out here.” Meanwhile, boaters said they came prepared to hit the water safely. “We have life preservers for everybody on the boat, take sunscreen, everybody sits down before we take off and lots of water,” said Golans.