Boating speed law that governs the Capers Inlet sandbar and the creeks — SC Code § 50-21-870

SC Code § 50-21-870(B)(6)(b) is the provision that applies to the sandbar at Capers Inlet and to every creek in Mount Pleasant: it is unlawful to "operate a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel while upon all other waters of this State in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of a moored or anchored vessel, wharf, dock, bulkhead, pier, or person in the water, or within 100 yards of the Atlantic Ocean coast line." The prohibition does not apply to an unoccupied moored vessel or watercraft, or to a person behind a vessel on water skis or a floating device with the operator's permission. The same section also requires: every person aboard a personal watercraft or specialty propcraft to wear a USCG-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD; every person under 12 aboard a Class "A" motorboat (under sixteen feet) to wear one; no operation of a personal watercraft after sunset or before sunrise; and a working self-circling device or lanyard-type engine cutoff switch, with the lanyard attached to the operator. § 50-21-870(B)(7) makes it unlawful to "chase, harass, molest, worry, or disturb wildlife with a personal watercraft, specialty propcraft, or vessel" except while lawfully angling. Verified 2026-09-04.