Lake Wylie Marine Commission proposes new charter boat safety regulations

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss several key issues, with a primary focus on updates to the Lake Wylie Marine Commission's charter boat and vessel rental regulations. Chairman Ray Webber presented the proposed regulations aimed at enhancing safety for boaters on Lake Wylie, addressing concerns raised by law enforcement from surrounding counties regarding unsafe rental operations.

Webber emphasized the need for standardized regulations to ensure that vessel rentals are conducted safely, citing that over 5,000 boating accidents occur annually in the U.S., often due to unfamiliarity with the boats. The proposed regulations aim to eliminate unsafe rental operations that currently operate without proper oversight, particularly those run from private homes or without necessary approvals.

The regulations include requirements for rental vessels to display identification stickers, ensure that captains possess U.S. Coast Guard certifications, and mandate insurance for rental operations. Webber noted that the Lake Wylie Marine Commission's regulations would mirror those already implemented by the Lake Norman Marine Commission, which have proven effective in addressing similar safety issues.

During the meeting, commissioners raised concerns about enforcement and the potential workload on local law enforcement agencies. Chief of Police indicated that while the department currently patrols the lake, the addition of enforcing these new regulations could strain resources. Discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that enforcement does not detract from the primary goal of maintaining safety on the lake.

Commissioners also debated the necessity of involving the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner to establish mandatory insurance requirements for boat rentals, suggesting that this could provide a more robust framework for ensuring safety and accountability among rental operators.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further review the proposed regulations and their implications for local law enforcement, with the aim of ensuring that safety remains the top priority for all lake users. The next steps will involve continued discussions and potential adjustments to the regulations based on feedback from the commissioners and law enforcement agencies.