First line of defense: a life jacket

Memorial Day has become the traditional start of the summer recreation season, but everyone should keep in mind safety while boating and enjoying other activities. Everyone can make a difference by knowing and following all state-required safety rules and guidelines for boat operation. To help ensure boats have the required safety equipment for the number of occupants and activities planned, the South Carolina DNR will hold courtesy boat inspections. One of them is tomorrow at Oconee’s South Cove Park from 10 a-m to noon. Duke Energy reminds people that overnight camping, fires, littering, removal of any vegetation and permanent structures are prohibited on any of the public recreation access areas, islands and along the shorelines of both lakes Keowe and Jocassee. Camping around the lakes is forbidden except at the approved Oconee and Pickens parks, Devil Fork State Park or campground.