BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office deputies issued 152 traffic citations during the Fourth of July holiday weekend while also responding to hundreds of calls for service. On the county’s busy waterways, Marine Patrol deputies handled heavy boating traffic by conducting 11 vessel stops, rescuing six people from the water, assisting three sinking vessels and towing four disabled boats.
The sheriff’s office announced Monday that deputies stepped up patrols across the county during the three-day holiday, conducting traffic safety checkpoints, monitoring boat landings and patrolling area lakes and rivers to help keep residents and visitors safe.
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Marine Patrol deputies reported especially heavy boating traffic on July 3 and July 4 before activity slowed on July 5.
During the holiday weekend, Marine Patrol deputies conducted 11 vessel stops, towed four disabled boats, assisted three vessels taking on water, rescued six people from the water and removed one waterway obstruction. Deputies also issued two citations and six warnings and assisted the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources with two boating under the influence (BUI) arrests.
At Berkeley County boat landings and recreation areas, deputies also focused on enforcing county ordinances and educating visitors about safety regulations. During the weekend, they issued seven alcohol citations, two grilling citations, 14 parking warnings, three parking citations and nine grill removal orders while reminding visitors that alcohol and grilling are prohibited in designated beach and swimming areas.
The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit conducted safety checkpoints and increased enforcement efforts throughout Berkeley County to target dangerous driving behaviors.
Of the 152 citations issued, deputies cited:
- 58 drivers for speeding
- 20 for hands-free device violations
- 18 for seat belt and child restraint violations
- 26 for driver’s license violations
- 3 for driving under the influence
- 27 for other traffic offenses
“The Fourth of July is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and our deputies worked tirelessly to keep Berkeley County safe,” Sheriff Duane Lewis said. “Whether responding to calls for service, patrolling our waterways, or conducting traffic enforcement, their commitment helped ensure families could celebrate the holiday as safely as possible. We appreciate everyone who made responsible decisions and partnered with us to keep our community safe.”
The sheriff’s office is reminding residents that public safety is a shared responsibility year-round. Officials encourage motorists to obey speed limits, wear seat belts, avoid impaired driving and eliminate distractions behind the wheel. Boaters are urged to wear life jackets, designate a sober operator and follow all state boating laws.
