Horry County Police have a new plan to help keep you safer on the water this summer. 

The Intracoastal Waterway sees a lot of traffic during the summer, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. So, HCPD is devoting special attention to the weekends with a new a county river patrol.

Two boats with two river patrol officers will be out every weekend for the rest of the summer. 

Officers travel up and down the Intracoastal as far north as Little River and as far south as Bucksport. They also patrol inland to Conway. 

News13 tagged along with officers on the water Sunday to find out what they’re looking for. 

Some of the biggest issues they see are speeding in no wake zones, crowding boat landings and littering. They’re also making sure people keep their drinking in check and are not drinking underage. 

“If we spot an alcohol violation out there we’re certainly gonna address that,” Capt. John Harrelson said. 

The officers are also out there to help people, who now can flag down officers instead of having to call in a problem. 
 
“It gives us the opportunity to engage with them in a little more informal environment sometimes,” Harrelson said, “While they’re out having fun and enjoying themselves it lets us be out there and reassure them that there’s somebody looking out for them.”
 
Officers also check to make sure people are properly using life vests. South Carolina law does not require you to wear a life jacket on a boat that’s over 16 feet. However, the law requires the vests be on the boat and accessible.