(Walhalla, SC)--------------------------------------With increasing numbers of citizens and visitors at Oconee County owned recreation facilities, The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with other agencies and organizations to remind those visiting about unlawful practices.
The goal, according to Lt. Tommy Crompton of the Special Operations Division, is to continue to be proactive and to create a safe and family friendly atmosphere as the unofficial start of summer begins this Memorial Day weekend.
The Marine and Environmental Units of the Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Environmental Unit of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, F.O.L.K.S. (Friends of the Lake Keowee Society), K.O.B.A. (Keep Oconee Beautiful Association), the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Duke Energy to remind citizens and visitors of unlawful practices that could lead to citations being written by law enforcement should those practices be observed. The Sheriff’s Office has been patrolling these areas and will increase foot patrols as the summer recreation season continues to approach.
“County ordinances forbid the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages at the County owned recreation facilities,” according to Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “Littering is illegal throughout Oconee County, and obviously, any littering violations will be subject to a citation being issued. Also, fires cannot be set in the beach areas and that provision is also enforceable by a law enforcement officer.”
Lt. Crompton would also like to remind those who visit that County owned recreation areas to not park and block entrances to those areas as that practice creates a danger by not allowing emergency crews and responders quick access to these areas in case of an emergency. Vehicles are only allowed to park in a designated parking space, according to Lt. Crompton.