By: Jason DuBose
Our area of the Lowcountry is blessed with miles and miles of pristine saltwater creeks, rivers and sounds. This makes for some of the most scenic and diverse boating opportunities anywhere on the east coast. Because many these areas are so pristine and uninfluenced by commercial and/or recreational boat traffic, most are not marked with navigational aids. Whenever you are exploring a new area by boat always be aware of the stage of the tide. My recommendation is to explore new areas while the tide is low and keep your boat speed just above idle. This way, if you do happen to run aground, you won’t be going fast enough to cause injury to your passengers or damage your boat and you won’t have to wait long for the rising tide to set you afloat. Never enter unfamiliar creeks on an outgoing tide unless they are well charted and you are sure you won’t become stuck as the water falls. Stay safe and have fun exploring our beautiful waters!