It’s the time of year to hit the water for swimming, boating, paddling and hanging out at the lake and beach.

To promote boating safety and save lives and heartache this year, local businesses are teaming with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-3 Lake Murray to promote safe practices.

Be on the look out for the Auxiliary display at many businesses around Chapin, Lexington, Columbia, Saluda, Prosperity and Newberry.

If you own a boat, you need the “Handbook of South Carolina Boating Laws and Responsibilities.” Other brochures include “How to choose the Right Life Jacket” and “Children and Personal Watercraft.”

You can also pick up a map of Lake Murray provided by Capital City/Lake Murray Country and the Columbia CVB.