New boating regulations go into effect next month.
Starting August 18th, boaters born after July 1st of 2007 will need to pass a boater education course before operating a boat or jet ski. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources does allow for some exceptions for those with a U.S. Coast Guard license or merchant mariner credential, someone who doesn't live in the state and has an equivalent boating safety credential from another state, someone accompanied by a qualified adult boater, or anyone using a rental boat with a temporary rental certificate. For everyone else, there is a grace period to comply with the new law before fines will be issued for those found violating it.