BOATING

Bluffton has one of the most beautiful waterways in the country. We want all our residents and visitors to enjoy our May River and to be safe. Below are six safety tips for area boaters to review before heading out to the waterways:

1. Be aware of the weather. Always check for weather conditions for the day of boating. A change in weather can also change the waterways from peaceful to rough waters.

2. Use life jackets. According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 83 percent of people who drowned due to boating accidents were not wearing life jackets while on the boat. Make sure you have enough life jackets for all occupants on the boat and that they are all the right size.

3. Designate an alternate operator. If the person operating the boat is injured or incapacitated, it’s important to have someone else available to get everyone back to shore safely. Make sure that someone else on the boat is familiar with the operation of the boat and familiar with the area.

4. Avoid alcohol. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that in 2021 there were 4,439 recreational boating accidents in the United States. The leading contributor to these accidents was alcohol consumption. The effects of alcohol are increased by the sun and wind. Do not drink and drive you boat. The chance of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is consumed.

5. Take a boating safety course. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources as well as the Coast Guard, provide boater safety courses musicians, and recognition of community members and organizations. Admission is free. Beer truck vendors will sell alcoholic beverages.

On Saturday, September 16, beginning at 7 p.m., there will be a free concert at Lowcountry Celebration Park. This event will be the finale of the 360/40 celebration and the inaugural Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival. The Songwriter Festival, a BMI supported musical festival presented by the Town of Hilton Head Island, runs from September 14-17. This three-day festival will feature over 25 visiting performers and a dozen local ones. Visit hiltonheadislandjam.com for a full list of performers and local venues where they will perform.

Between August 26 and September 16, you can enjoy unique experiences that honor the island’s rich natural, cultural, and historic resources. The town has a dedicated website (hiltonheadisland360-40. org), which details celebration events and chronicles the island’s history and accomplishments. Additionally, the site allows you to share memories, milestones, and photos you have captured that reflect Hilton Head Island’s unique history and culture. We encourage your participation because you are a part of history and make up the fabric of our community.

To learn more about celebrations to honor our island’s milestones, history, growth, and people, please visit hiltonheadisland360-40.org. We look forward to seeing you on August 26 for our first and September 16 for our second anchor event.  to the public. This will familiarize you with boating safety and rules of operation.

6. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a free vessel safety check. They will make sure all safety equipment on the boat is serviceable. They also offer an online safety check.

Many of you reading this may wonder why this topic is important. New boaters are on the river every boating season, and even children of experienced boaters are now on the river. It is important to take a minute and remind yourself of boater safety. Have a great summer on and off the river.Crocodile will be shown July 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Oscar Frazier Park, and Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank will be shown September 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Martin Family Park. 