News 12 News 12 at 6 o'clock, July 3, 2008

LAKE THURMOND, S.C.---It's already been a deadly year on the water, so the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources wants to make sure you're playing it safe. They'll be doing boat safety inspections all weekend.

"I love the water, the outdoors, and everything to go with natural resources," said Daniel Baker, who works for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. He's wanted to work with the DNR since he was old enough to want a job.

"It's one of those jobs you wake up every morning and your excited to get dressed and go to work," he said.

Part of that job is making sure boaters are following the law.

With 14 boating deaths already this year DNR is making sure people are safe July Fourth weekend, so they'll be doing extra inspections.

"What I need to do is see a wearable life jacket for each one of you on board," he tells one family at Lake Thurmond.

They also check for your registration, a fire extinguisher, a throwable cushion, and a whistle or horn.

But in this drought, these officers say it may not be enough.

"All the safety equipment necessary is still not gonna prevent an accident with shallow waters," said Larry Davis, also with the law enforcement division.

He says the water is about 12 feet below normal. These two officers say you need to know the lake or slow down.

"If you came through [low water] at a high rate of speed you could really get thrown from a boat or get hurt pretty bad," said Baker.

And that's exactly what they want to prevent. They'll be staying afloat in the water this weekend to make sure you boaters do, too.

DNR will be out all weekend starting at 10 a.m. doing these inspections. They say they'll give some warnings but they'll also be giving citations starting $110 going all the way over $1,000.

It's also important to remember not to drive a boat under the influence of alcohol. People can face a fine of $465 for that. To report things like reckless or intoxicated boaters, call the DNR at 1-800-922-5431.