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New SC State Law RE: Teens & Boating

A new South Carolina state law took effect August 18, 2023, requiring teens to take a boating course if they wish to go out on a boat on their own anywhere on state waterways.
The new requirement covers individuals currently 16 years old and younger.  The new law states any type of watercraft including jet skis or anything with a 10-horsepower engine or greater.
The Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club and Beaufort Sail & Power Squadron, now known as America’s Boating Club of Beaufort in conjunction with SCDNR will host a free four-hour Safety Boating Class on April 20, 2024.  This course will be held at the Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club, 30 Yacht Club Drive, off Meridian Road on Lady’s Island.  You may select one of the two sessions being offered on this day.  One will be from 8:30am – 12:30pm and the second will be from 1:30 – 5:30pm.  The course is free and all material will be furnished however, attendees should bring materials to take notes.  A test will be administered at the conclusion of the class.  Upon successful completion of this class, SCDNR will issue a waterproof certificate for each applicant.
Interested individuals should go on-line to register, using the links provided below [CTRL and Click to follow link];
SC Boating Education Class -April 20, 20214 -Morning Session

SC Boating Education Class- April 20, 2024 – afternoon session

Applicants are encouraged to register for either one of the classes as soon as possible as there are a limited number of seats for each class. Other states that have implemented versions of this program have seen a very significant decrease in boating accidents and injuries, particularly for younger boaters. For additional information email Commander Frank Gibson at fgibson@islc.net.