In an effort to keep state waterways safe during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division will again be conducting courtesy safety inspections at some public boat landings.

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is considered the first blast of summer and one of the busiest weekends of the year on state waters.

"Boaters who choose to participate in the free inspections may do so at designated landings where the inspections are offered," said Col. Alvin Taylor, deputy director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division. "It only takes a few minutes and will make your day safer and more enjoyable on the water."

DNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform a quick, but thorough, inspection for items such as required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registration. "Those who are not in compliance with safety regulations or registration requirements will not be ticketed during the complimentary inspections," Taylor said. "Instead, they will be given an opportunity to correct the problem before they launch their boat." DNR officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.

To report boating violations such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, call the DNR toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431. For a copy of South Carolina's boating regulations, to find out about local boating safety courses or to obtain a free float plan form contact the DNR Boating Safety Office at 1-800-277-4301.

Courtesy safety inspections at the following locations and times:

• Beaufort & Jasper Counties
  Battery Creek Landing - 9 a.m to Noon - May 26
  Pinckney Island Landing - 9 a.m. to Noon - May 27
  Lemmon Island Landing - 9 a.m. to Noon - May 28
• Congaree River
  Rosewood Landing - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - May 25
  Bates Bridge / 601 Bridge - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 26
  Rosewood Landing -10 a.m. to Noon - May 27
  Billy Tolar - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 28
• Horry & Georgetown Counties
  Socastee Bridge Landing ICW - 9 a.m. to Noon - May 26
  Browns Ferry Landing - Black River - 9 a.m. to Noon- May 27
  Johnny Causey Landing ICW - Littler River - 9 a.m. to Noon - May 28
• Lake Bowen - (1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - May 26) - (2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - May 27) - (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - May 28)
• Lake Greenwood
  Reeders Boat Landing - (10 a.m. to Noon - May 25) - (11 a.m. to Noon - May 26)
  Greenwood State Park - (10 a.m. to Noon - May 25) - (1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - May 26)
• Lake Hartwell
  Hurricane Creek Landing - (1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - May 25) - (12 p.m. to 1 p.m. - May 26)
  Twelve Mile Park - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 28
• Lake Jocassee
  Main Ramp - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 28
• Lake Keowee
  Gap Hill Landing - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 26
  South Cove Park - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 26
• Lake Marion
  Alex Harvin Landing (Clarendon County) - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 25 to 28
  Indian Bluff Landing (Orangeburg County) - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 25 to 28
  Packs Landing (Sumter County) - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 25 to 28
  Low Fall Landing (Calhoun County) - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 25 to 28
• Lake Murray
  Lake Murray Dam (Irmo Side) - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 25 to 28
  Billy Dreher Island (Newberry County) - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 25 to 28
  SCE&G Ramp #3 (Saluda County) - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 25 to 28
• Lake Robinson (Greenville County)
  Main Ramp - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 27
• Lake Robinson (Darlington/Chesterfield counties)
  Johnson's Landing - Noon to 2 p.m. - May 27
  Easterling Landing - Noon to 2 p.m. - May 28
  Black River at Andrews - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - May 26
  Black River at Kingstree - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - May 27
  Little Pee Dee at Galivants Ferry - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - May 28
• Lake Secession
  Barton's Landing - (1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - May 25) - (Noon to 1 p.m. - May 26)
• Lake Thurmond
  Parksville Boat Landing - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - May 25
  Scotts Ferry Landing - 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - May 26
• Lake Wallace
  Lake Wallace Public Ramp - Noon to 2 p.m. - May 27
  Dargan's Pond - 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. - May 26
• Lake Wateree
  Dutchman Creek Landing - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - May 27
  Clearwater Cove Courtesy - (10 a.m. to Noon - May 26) - (10 a.m. to Noon - May 28)
  Wateree State Park - 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. - May26
• Lake Wylie
  Ebenezer Boat Landing - (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.- May 26 - 27) - (1 p.m. to 3 p.m. - May 28)
• Lower Charleston & Colleton Co.
  Wappoo Cut - 9 a.m. to Noon - May 26
  Folly River - 9 a.m. to Noon- May 27
  Oakbrook - 9 a.m. - Noon- May 28
• Savannah River
  North Augusta Boat Ramp (Aiken County) - 10 a.m. to Noon - May 25 to 28
• Upper Charleston & Berkeley counties.
  Remley's Point Landing - 9 a.m. to Noon - May 26
  Isle of Palms Marina - 9 a.m. to Noon - May 27
  Bushy Park & Back River Landing - 9 a.m. to Noon - May 28