As the summer starts to wind down, you want to squeeze every last drop out of lake time.
We, at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, want you and your family to enjoy every minute spent on the water. Lake Murray is a great recreational luxury to have in our community and a huge part of many residents’ lives.
Our deputies are out patrolling the waterways every day of this busy boating season ensuring everyone is making safe choices. Please do not operate your motorized watercraft under the influence. It endangers your life and the lives of everyone else on the lake. It’s a selfish decision that oftentimes results in accidents, in addition to fines or jail time for the offender.
If you choose to enjoy an adult beverage (or a few), know that swimming while intoxicated is also very dangerous. It impacts your senses and puts you at risk of drowning, extreme dehydration and impaired capabilities.
If you’re operating a vessel, you’re required to have knowledge of boating safety rules, such as having a wearable personal floatation device for each person on board, observing no wake zones and using navigational lights at night. Check out the SC Department of Natural Resources website for more information.
You may need us during your lake outing. For emergencies, contact our Marine Patrol unit by calling 911. You can also spot and wave down our LCSD-marked boats for other non-emergency situations.
Do your part to prevent water tragedies; safety is always first.