Sheriff Eyes Edisto Floats

Weekend “floats” down the Edisto River have become both a safety and nuisance issue, according to Dorchester County Sheriff's Office.

The office has teamed up with Colleton County Sheriff’s Office, S.C. Department of Natural Resources and Dorchester County Code Enforcement to combat the problems associated with large groups amassing in such a restricted area.

There will be law enforcement in the river, at landings, and with a mobile unit and checkpoints looking for violators.

On weekends boasting large crowds, floating violators clash with family fun from law-abiding floating enthusiasts and property owners along the river, John Garrison of the Sheriff's Office said on Tuesday.

"It's a regular mess," Garrison said.

Organized floats — like the one planned this Sunday — can be troublesome. According to Garrison, more than 2,200 people have already signed up from areas outside the Lowcountry to participate this weekend's float.

With these types of floats comes alcohol abuse, litter, assaults, indecent exposures, disturbances and conflicts with those who live on that stretch of the Edisto and other floaters, Garrison said. 

On Monday, Dorchester County deputies discovered a flotilla of several minors drinking. Other incidents are not so benign, and some include alcohol-related drownings, Garrison said.

And at the end of a float down the river, there is always a drive back to the launch site, and that can pose problems on the roads.

"If they're drinking in the river, there's a good chance they'll be drunk when they get out," Garrison said.