Boat landings may open beginning today

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Beginning today at noon, S.C. public boat landings and ramps may open at the discretion of the local government or landing managing authorities.

Landings were previously ordered closed to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

The revision to S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive order specifies that landings, ramps and parking lots may open for the purpose or launching or retrieving a boat, according to a news release from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Access may still be restricted by landing managing authorities if it is determined that such action is necessary to protect public health, and the revision does not address other facilities at public landings such as restrooms, docks or designated bank fishing areas.

Public beach access points in the state remain closed.

No more than two individuals who are not family members from the same household may be on a boat, with some exceptions. Vessels on public waterways must remain underway at all times unless anchored to fish. The beaching or rafting of boats on sandbars, lakeshores, riverbanks or islands remains prohibited.