New law impacts boaters and their personal watercraft

The South Carolina DNR calls attention to a new law regulating the conduct of boaters and personal watercraft users who hit the water this summer.  The law, signed by the governor in March, establishes that, on specified bodies of water, no one may operate a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel on waters such as Keowee, Jocassee, and Hartwell in excess of idle speed within 100 feet of a wharf, dock, bulkhead or pier; 50 feet of a moored or anchored vessel or person in the water.  This applies to boats, jet skis and other craft.  Violators face a misdemeanor and generally punishable fines of about $100-$600 dollars, depending on court fees in a county jurisdiction.  DNR officers regularly patrol the waterways.