Loud music, fast boats prompt complaints about May River sandbars

Loud music, alcohol consumption and speeding boats at a May River sandbar that has long been a popular summertime gathering spot are drawing a growing chorus of complaints, several local officials say.

Concerns about boating safety and other concerns dominated discussion Wednesday at the town of Bluffton's May River Waterbody Management Plan Implementation Committee.

Committee chairman Wes Jones said the list of complaints include boaters less considerate than in the past about controlling wakes, especially near All Joy Landing, and unleashed dogs on the sandbar.

Councilman Mike Raymond said at last week's Town Council meeting that alcohol consumption has gotten out of hand. He suggested residents talk to their neighbors about keeping the sandbar family friendly.

The sandbar falls outside Bluffton police jurisdiction, according to Bluffton Police spokesman Lt. Bryan Norberg. It is the responsibility of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard.

As the crowds grow on the sandbar, DNR Sgt. Michael Paul Thomas said officers have received more complaints from residents about speeding boats and loud music. He said the agency has issued numerous warnings to boaters at the sandbar to behave better. However, the DNR does not track the number of warnings issued on individual waterways. Therefore, it's unknown if more warnings were issued this year compared to 2009.

Another concern for Jones is the number of dogs on the sandbar, given the ongoing problem of fecal coliform in the May River.