As the temperature continues to rise, traffic at Lake Murray is ramping up. The lake is a large part of the high quality of life we enjoy here in Lexington County. With more than 650 miles of shoreline, thousands of boaters, skiers and campers visit the water during these summer months.

Safety is a concern with that amount of activity. In order for people to stay safe on the lake, everyone needs to do their part. With the arrival of National Safe Boating Week, I’m sharing some of the most common boating safety tips:

Have a float plan, which includes:

• What type/color of vessel (boat, pontoon, personal watercraft)

• Vessel registration number

• What time you’re leaving

• Where you’re going

• What time you’re returning

• Number of people on your vessel

• What type/color of clothing everyone’s wearing

Use life jackets:

• Each person must have a corresponding life jacket that properly fits

Remember the “Stay Rule:”

• Stay afloat

• Stay still

• Stay with the vessel

• Stay as dry and warm

as you can Drunk boating is dangerous and illegal. Please drink responsibly to enjoy your time on the lake as safely as possible. Here’s to the start of our water recreation season! Enjoy it.