Columba,SC (WLTX) - After a horrific boat disaster in Missouri killed 17 people in Branson, Missouri, News19 spoke with a boat rental company here in the Midlands to see how they keep their customers safe.
Cpt. Kenny Hardee has been the owner of pontoon rentals and tours for 15 years, but he's lived a life by the water for nearly four decades. That's why safety on the water is at the top of his priority list.
"A few years ago we made the decision to not to rent boats to individuals because it caused me a lot of stress and a lot of the people were inexperienced boaters and operators," Hardee said.
Customers are able to rent boats, but it must be operated by a licensed captain.
"At the beginning of every boating experience we show everyone where the life jackets, fire extinguishable and the sound producing devices are located," he said.
Lance Cpl. Ezra Arnold with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources ays the state has specific requirements aimed at boating safety that everyone must follow, especially organizations in charge of boating tours.
"If a company is taking people out they should probably look at the weather to see if there are any storms so they can plan accordingly," Arnold said.