COLUMBIA, S.C. - The state Natural Resources Department will conduct courtesy boat inspections starting Memorial Day weekend to make boaters more aware of safety on the water.

The free inspections will take place at public landings throughout the summer, the agency said.

Col. Alvin Taylor, deputy director of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, said the checks will help make sure boaters have proper safety equipment on board before they go out. Officers also will be available to answer questions about boating laws, Taylor said.

"This is all about safety," he said.

The inspections are available at locations throughout the state, from Upstate landings like Lake Jocassee in Oconee County, to Lowcountry spots like Port Royal Landing in Beaufort County and Limestone Landing in Charleston County.

There have been five deaths due to boating accidents in South Carolina this year. In 2004, 13 people died in boating accidents. That was a significant drop from 33 deaths in 2003.

"The goal is to increase our visibility and a DNR presence on the water," he said.

Taylor says the agency patrols will concentrate on negligent operation of watercraft and boating under the influence.