LAKE MURRAY (WACH) - It's the calm before the storm on Lake Murray, but in a few days thousands of boaters will come here to enjoy the unofficial start to Summer. They'll do so under the watchful eye of Department of Natural Resources Sergeant Wes Potter.
"Most of our problems arise when we have big crowds and that's different places around the lake, for example Sandy Beach or Hurricane Cove."
DNR and Richland County Sherriff's deputies warning people caught boating under the influence of alcohol will be treated in the same manner as those who commit the offense on land.
"Boats don't have breaks, boats don't stop on a dime. You have to make decisions, you have to be looking ahead," said DNR Lt. Robert McCullough.
Police have already made four DUI related arrests this Spring, they'll also be ticketing people for not having enough life vests on board their vessels and reckless boating.
"A lot of our problems come from inexperience on boats and also from speed, because there is no speed limit on the lake," said Potter. "What we're doing is making sure you're operating a boat in a safe manner."
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