Carefree Boat Club of Lake Murray

South Carolina law does not set a numeric minimum age to operate a rented motorboat or personal watercraft. Under S.C. Code Section 50-21-95, a person born after July 1, 2007, must meet one of the law's qualifications before operating a vessel powered by an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. For a rental, a valid boat rental safety certificate issued in the operator's name qualifies. SCDNR says the rental certificate is valid for 30 days. The rental operator sets its own minimum age, so confirm it when booking.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

Yes, some recreational operators need a South Carolina boating safety certificate rather than a traditional boating license. Anyone born after July 1, 2007 must have one before operating a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more, a personal watercraft, or a specialty propcraft. The rule states no separate minimum operator age; an uncertified person may operate when accompanied by a qualified adult at least 18.

Exemptions include people born on or before the cutoff, nonresidents with another state's equivalent certificate, and holders of qualifying Coast Guard credentials. Renters may use an SCDNR approved rental safety certificate, valid for 30 days and only on rented craft. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources administers the program.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

From Leesville, the practical boating choices are Lake Murray’s main basin, the Little Saluda and Rocky Creek arms, the Big Saluda headwaters, and Dreher Island. Put in at River Bend for broad, open reservoir water and access to the Little Saluda side; Rocky Creek provides narrower creek-arm cruising.

For a quieter river-style outing, launch at Kempsons Bridge and follow the Big Saluda headwaters. SCDNR describes that stretch as more relaxed than the lake’s big water, while warning of sunken trees near shore and more rocks upstream. Dreher Island State Park offers three islands, extensive lake shoreline and three ramps for fishing and shoreline cruising.

Source: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (dnr.sc.gov)

From Leesville, boaters on Lake Murray make day trips to Dreher Island State Park, Bundrick Island and Bomb Island. Dreher Island offers nature trails and picnic areas for time ashore; Bundrick Island, commonly called Sandy Beach, draws boats to anchor near its sandy shoreline for swimming and exploring; and Bomb Island is a seasonal wildlife stop, especially in late July when purple martins gather at the roost.

Source: South Carolina State Parks (southcarolinaparks.com)