Media Advisory June 30, 2011 0611- 899 Law Enforcement and Safety Consortium strives to increase awareness of the dangers that can be associated with boating During a press conference today held on Lake Murray, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Lex- ington County Sheriff James R. Metts, Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, the South Caro- lina Department of Natural Resources Colonel Alvin Taylor and the Safety Consortium spon- sored by the Lake Murray Association discussed the dangers that can be connected with boat- ing on our lakes without proper planning ahead. With Fourth of July this weekend, the partners discussed how important it is to be safe on the water. The partnership between the law enforcement agencies and the Safety Consortium is nothing new; nor is the danger connected with boating under the influence. The Sheriff’s Depart- ments, DNR and the Safety Consortium have been working together for years on making our waterways safer and need your help. The press conference was an opportunity for citizens to hear the dangers that can be con- nected with boating and not wearing personal flotation devices, not being aware of the rules of the road for boating and not planning properly. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that every year we lose a life on our waterways by someone drinking in excess and driving a boat. The Sheriff added that we can prevent this by simply not drinking and driving a boat. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that it takes every boater taking personal respon- sibility, and doing the right thing. The Sheriff added that the law enforcement partnerships and collaboration with the Safety Consortium are extremely important to the safety of our citizens and it is up to our citizens to make the right decisions. “There are approximately 500, 000 boats registered in the state of South Carolina and 50,000 of these specifically on Lake Murray,” said Colonel Alvin Taylor, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. “Fourth of July is a celebration traditionand we would like everyone to en- joy themselves this holiday season, but also to be safe. Our goal is to have no boating fatali- ties or injuries this year. With there being no brakes on a boat, speed limits or lines on the water the risk is as great or greater than in a car for an accident to occur. So be safe this summer.” Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster stated that his Department is glad to participate in this vi- tal mission to help people enjoy their holiday. The Sheriff added that safety on the water should be practiced everyday and not just on the holidays.
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