State boating fatalities reached an all-time low in 2002, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Since 1998, boating fatalities statewide have declined
sharply. "Fourteen people died in boating accidents across the state in 2002, the lowest on record for one year in South Carolina," said Maj. Alvin Taylor with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Marine Law
Enforcement Investigations and Education Section in Charleston. "There were 18 boating fatalities in 2001, 15 in 2000, 18 boating fatalities in 1999, 28 in 1998 and 34 fatalities in 1997." According to U.S. Coast Guard
statistics, South Carolina was ranked ninth in the number of boating fatalities nationwide in 2001. For a list of dates, times and locations of a free boater education course in your area call 1-800-277-4301 or visit the
DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.sc.us and click on "Boating."