Operating a PWC

When on the waters of Lake Greenwood, Lake Hartwell, Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, Lake Marion, Lake Monticello, Lake Murray, Lake Robinson, Lake Russell, Lake Secession, Lake Thurmond, Lake Wateree, Fishing Creek Reservoir, Parr Reservoir, or the portion of the Savannah River from the Interstate 20 Savannah River Bridge to the New Savannah River Bluff Lock and Dam, you may not operate a boat or PWC in excess of “idle speed” within:

• 50 feet of a moored or anchored vessel or a person in the water
• 100 feet of a wharf, dock, bulkhead, or pier

On all other state waters, you may not operate a boat or PWC in excess of “idle speed” within:

• 50 feet of a moored or anchored vessel, wharf, dock, bulkhead, pier, or person in the water
• 100 yards of the Atlantic Ocean coastline

In South Carolina, it is also illegal to:

• Operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise.
• Jump the wake of another boat unnecessarily close to the other boat or when visibility around the other boat is restricted.
• Operate a PWC so that it leaves the water (jumps) within 200 feet of a boat whose wake it is crossing.
• Wake surf in excess of “idle speed” within 200 feet of a moored vessel, wharf, dock, bulkhead, pier, or person in the water.
• Chase, harass, or disturb wildlife.