Marine Patrol Trooper Eric Watson was one of the guests that spoke during Tuesday’s COVID-19 News Conference hosted by the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency.

Trooper Watson stated that one of the main concerns for water patrol is the increased traffic on the lake that has resulted in an increased number of accidents on the lake.

Watson stressed that making sure you have a life jacket is very important and it’s the law, there must be enough life jackets on a boat for every occupant of the vessel.

Trooper Watson reminds boaters that Cherokee County is a dry county and it is unlawful to have ANY alcohol whatsoever on Weiss Lake. Marine Patrol officers will be watching closely for those that choose to violate that law.

It seems for the most part everyone has been doing a satisfactory job in abiding by the proper social distancing guidelines but the main concern for officers is the large gatherings on docks. Watson said that there has been gatherings of way more than 10 people at a time where alcohol is involved and they are discouraging those type gatherings until the Governor’s ‘stay at home order’ has been lifted.

Trooper Watson encourages those riding jet-skis on the lake to be extra cautious of your surroundings and remind everyone that life jackets must be properly snapped and zipped at all times.

As always, regardless of if you are on a boat or jet-ski, make sure you properly attach and use your kill switch.

Watson said that beginning in June they will be adding a third Marine Patrol Officer to the lake patrol to ensure that everyone is staying safe and obeying the laws.

Trooper Watson said that while they want you enjoy the lake, they want to make sure you stay safe while doing so.