Freedom Boat Club – North Myrtle Beach, SC

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 North Myrtle Beach, you can cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, run the Cherry Grove marsh to Hog Inlet, follow Little River, or continue through Little River Inlet to the Atlantic. The Waterway is the inland route, with public access at Johnny Causey Landing. Cherry Grove Park’s two-lane ramp enters the marsh and provides a separate ocean connection through Hog Inlet. Little River joins the Waterway and connects to Little River Inlet, which lies between Waties Island and Bird Island. Beyond its jetties is open Atlantic water; NOAA says the bar channel changes continually and advises extreme caution when entering or leaving.

Source: City of North Myrtle Beach (nmb.us)

From North Myrtle Beach, boaters can make day outings to Bird Island Reserve, Waites Island and the Little River waterfront. Bird Island allows watercraft to land on sandy shorelines inside Little River Inlet, making it a natural beach stop. Waites Island suits a quieter paddle through salt marsh to an undeveloped barrier island, with chances to see herons, osprey and other coastal wildlife. The Little River waterfront is the food stop: several waterside restaurants provide docks or nearby docking, so crews can tie up for seafood during an Intracoastal Waterway cruise.

Source: North Carolina Division of Coastal Management (deq.nc.gov)