The temperatures are rising and people are heading out to the oceans, rivers, and lakes in our communities. Boats are a huge pastime for many Charleston residents. The problem is, the more people on the water, the more calls the Coast Guard receives from boats in distress.
Earlier this month, four people died in two boat crashes that occurred within 30 minutes of each other on Lake Murray in northwest of Columbia. The first occurred between 10:00 and 11:00 pm. Two of the passengers, Kelli Bullard of Lexington, SC and Amber Golden of Woodville, AL died in the crash.
Approximately 30 minutes later and less than a mile from the first collision, Matthew Howk’s 23-foot fishing boat crashed. Howk and a passenger died from injuries.
And the, just last week the Coast Guard responded to an 18-foot catamaran boat which was sinking off the coast of Folly Beach. The three passengers were rescued.
With boat traffic only increasing over the coming months, it is important that everyone practice boat safety. Be sure to read out article 5 Tips For Boat Safety!
