Best South Carolina Lakes for Largemouth Bass

If you've ever stood on the shores of a South Carolina lake, rod in hand, and felt that delightful yet overwhelming feeling of endless possibility, you know the struggle. This state is absolutely teeming with incredible freshwater fishing opportunities, and for those of us obsessed with largemouth bass, trying to figure out where to cast your line for the best shot at a lunker can feel like a delicious but daunting puzzle. This guide is here to break down the mystery, spotlighting the best lakes in the Palmetto State where you can consistently find and catch those exciting largemouth bass.

Lake Murray: The Jewel of the Midlands for Largemouth

Lake Murray, often affectionately called the "Jewel of the Midlands," isn't just a pretty face; it's a bonafide largemouth bass factory. Nestled northwest of Columbia, this sprawling 50,000-acre reservoir is a consistent producer of quality bass, making it a favorite for local anglers and national tournaments alike. If you're serious about chasing that big bucketmouth, Murray should definitely be high on your list.

Why Lake Murray Excels for Bass Anglers

What makes Lake Murray such a hotbed for largemouth bass? Well, it's a perfect storm of prime habitat and abundant forage. The lake boasts a diverse underwater landscape, from deep, rocky main lake humps and points to shallow coves dotted with docks and submerged timber. This variety means bass have ample places to hide, ambush prey, and retreat to cooler, deeper water when the mercury rises. Plus, the sheer volume of baitfish like threadfin shad and blueback herring provides a never-ending buffet for growing bass, contributing to their impressive size and fighting spirit.

The reputation of Lake Murray as a premier bass fishery is well-earned. It's a regular stop for major fishing circuits, which speaks volumes about its ability to consistently produce solid catches. Many local anglers will tell you stories of personal bests hauled from its waters, whether it's an early spring bruiser or a hard-fighting summer schoolie. This consistent success isn't just luck; it's a testament to the lake's health and the management efforts to sustain its robust bass population. If you're looking for a deep dive into all things related to this fantastic fishery, you might enjoy our Lake Murray Fishing Guide for South Carolina Anglers for even more details.

Year-round, Lake Murray offers incredible potential for largemouth. While each season presents its unique challenges and opportunities, the bass are always there. Whether you're chasing them in the chilly depths of winter or the scorching heat of summer, understanding their seasonal patterns is key. This adaptability of the fishery ensures that no matter when you can get out on the water, there’s always a chance to hook into something special, provided you adjust your tactics.

Key Largemouth Hotspots and Structures

When you're out on Lake Murray, understanding where to focus your efforts is half the battle. One of the most productive areas, especially outside of the spring spawn, involves the numerous deep humps and submerged islands scattered throughout the main lake. These underwater structures act like magnets for baitfish, which in turn attract hungry largemouth. Targeting these areas with deep-diving crankbaits, spoons, or Carolina rigs can be incredibly effective, particularly around popular spots like those near Dreher Island.

Closer to the shoreline, rocky points and the seemingly endless number of docks and marinas offer fantastic cover. Bass love to hold tight to these structures, using them as ambush points for unsuspecting bait. Flipping jigs or pitching Texas-rigged worms into the shady spots under docks, or slowly working crankbaits along rocky points, can yield some impressive catches. It often takes patience and precision, but the reward of a big bass exploding from under a pontoon boat is absolutely worth it.

During the warmer months and especially in spring, don't overlook the myriad of shallow coves and feeder creek channels. These areas warm up faster, making them prime real estate for pre-spawn and spawning bass. Look for areas with submerged brush, laydowns, or even early season hydrilla growth. Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and shallow-running crankbaits can be deadly when covering water in these shallower zones. For specific areas, our guide on the Best Largemouth Bass Spots on Lake Murray, South Carolina goes into even more detail.

Seasonal Bass Strategies on Lake Murray

Spring on Lake Murray is a time of incredible excitement for largemouth anglers. As water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, bass move from their deeper winter haunts to shallower waters for the pre-spawn and spawn. This is when you'll want to target creek mouths, protected coves, and any areas with new growth or available cover. Crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics like senkos are extremely effective when fished slowly and deliberately. Knowing When Do Largemouth Bass Spawn in South Carolina Reservoirs? can significantly help your planning.

Summer fishing on Lake Murray often means heading deep. As the surface water heats up, bass seek cooler, more oxygenated water on those aforementioned humps, ledges, and deep points. Early morning and late evening topwater action can still be phenomenal as bass push bait to the surface, but during the bright midday sun, focus on using drop shots, shaky heads, or heavy spoons to target fish suspended or holding tight to structure in 20-40 feet of water. This is where your electronics become your best friend.

As fall rolls in, bringing cooler temperatures, the bass on Lake Murray often follow baitfish into shallower waters and exhibit aggressive schooling behavior. This is a fantastic time for throwing jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures in main lake pockets and along points where bait is congregating. Winter, while challenging, can still produce huge bass by targeting deep suspending fish with jigging spoons or slow-rolled crankbaits in areas where the lake narrows or has significant depth changes.

Santee Cooper Lakes (Marion and Moultrie): A Bass Fisherman's Paradise

The Santee Cooper Lakes, comprising Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, aren't just large; they are legendary. This interconnected system, spanning over 170,000 acres, is a true national treasure for bass fishing. Known for its vastness, unique cypress tree cover, and a history of producing monster largemouth, Santee Cooper offers an experience unlike anywhere else in South Carolina.

Unraveling the Legend of Santee Cooper Bass

The Santee Cooper Lakes hold a special place in the hearts of bass anglers across the country. They’ve long been celebrated as one of the best bass fishing destinations, frequently ranking among the top fisheries for both size and numbers of largemouth. The sheer scale of these lakes, combined with their rich aquatic ecosystems, provides an ideal environment for bass to thrive, growing to impressive sizes that often make anglers' dreams come true. It’s a place where you truly feel the history of big bass fishing with every cast.

One of the most defining features of Santee Cooper is its unique habitat, particularly the abundant cypress trees that dot the water, especially in Lake Marion. These ancient trees offer unparalleled cover, creating countless ambush points for largemouth. Beyond the cypress, vast hydrilla beds, lily pads, and submerged timber create a complex underwater world that bass absolutely adore. This rich, diverse cover, combined with an enormous forage base including threadfin shad, bluegill, and various other baitfish, ensures that the bass here are well-fed and feisty.

The connection between Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie via the Diversion Canal creates an expansive and diverse fishery. Lake Marion, the upper lake, is generally shallower and characterized by its cypress tree forests and extensive shallow grass flats. Lake Moultrie, the lower lake, is deeper and more open, featuring large offshore humps, ledges, and the remains of old structures. This distinct personality for each lake means that anglers have a huge variety of conditions and fishing scenarios to explore, making Santee Cooper a continuously engaging challenge. Getting acquainted with the specifics of Santee Cooper Bass Fishing Seasons in South Carolina can really give you an edge.

Navigating Bass Cover in Marion and Moultrie

For many, the iconic cypress trees are the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Santee Cooper bass fishing. These majestic trees are more than just scenery; they are critical bass habitat. Largemouth love to hold tight to their knees and root systems, especially in stained water, using them as prime ambush points. Flipping and pitching jigs, creature baits, or Texas-rigged worms into the dense cover around these trees is a classic and highly effective technique. It's a game of patience and precision, but the payoff can be immense.

While the cypress trees dominate, the shallow grass beds and lily pad fields, particularly prevalent in Lake Marion, are equally important. These expansive mats provide not only cover but also a thriving ecosystem for baitfish and insects, making them irresistible to bass. Topwater frogs, buzzing frogs, and weightless worms skipped over and into these mats can provoke explosive strikes. In some areas, these grass lines can stretch for miles, offering endless opportunities to find active fish.

Lake Moultrie, with its deeper, more open water, requires a different approach. Here, you'll want to focus on offshore humps, ledges, and the remnants of submerged structures like old roadbeds or foundations. These areas become bass magnets, especially during the warmer months, as fish gravitate towards cooler, deeper water with access to passing schools of bait. Deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and jigging spoons are excellent choices for probing these deeper areas, often revealing schools of quality bass. If you're looking to broaden your options, you can even explore other species on these lakes, as seen in our guide to the Best Crappie Spots on the Santee Cooper Lakes.

Optimal Seasons and Techniques for Santee Cooper Largemouth

Spring at Santee Cooper is an angler's dream, especially when the largemouth are in their pre-spawn and spawning phases. As water temperatures rise, bass flood into the shallows, often around the cypress trees and in the grass beds. This is the absolute best time for flipping and pitching jigs or creature baits into heavy cover. Look for the warmest, most protected coves and backwaters. The fish are often aggressive and ready to bite, making for some truly memorable days. Don't miss our insights into Post-Spawn Bass Patterns on South Carolina's Santee Cooper for continued success through early summer.

Summer on the Santee Cooper Lakes shifts the game to deeper water, particularly on Lake Moultrie. While some fish may still be caught shallow in low light conditions, the most consistent bite will often be found by targeting deep ledges, humps, and the outer edges of hydrilla beds in 15-30 feet of water. Deep cranking, Carolina rigging, and heavy Texas-rigged worms are go-to baits. Anglers often rely on their electronics to find schools of fish relating to these structures. Booking a local guide through platforms like FishingBooker can be incredibly beneficial during this time, as they often have up-to-date knowledge on current patterns and hotspots.

As fall arrives, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter days, the bass at Santee Cooper become incredibly active, often exhibiting aggressive schooling behavior. This is a prime time for covering water with topwater lures, spinnerbaits, and lipless crankbaits, especially along grass lines and around prominent points where baitfish are abundant. Winter fishing can still be productive, though slower. Focus on deeper channels, creek bends, and areas with submerged timber, using slow-rolled crankbaits, jigs, or even live bait for the biggest bites.

Lake Hartwell: Upstate's Premier Bass Fishery

Perched on the border between South Carolina and Georgia, Lake Hartwell is a magnificent impoundment that consistently ranks among the top bass fisheries in the Southeast. With its clear waters, diverse topography, and robust population of both largemouth and spotted bass, Hartwell offers an exciting challenge and rewarding experience for any angler seeking that thrill of a hook-up.

Why Hartwell is a Top-Tier Largemouth Destination

Lake Hartwell truly stands out as a top-tier largemouth destination for a multitude of reasons. Its clear, fertile waters provide excellent visibility, making sight fishing a possibility in some areas and forcing anglers to refine their presentations in others. The lake's deep channels and abundant forage base, including blueback herring, gizzard shad, and threadfin shad, support a healthy population of largemouth that grow large and strong. This combination of clarity and ample food contributes to the lake's reputation for producing quality fish.

Hartwell is a constant fixture on major tournament trails, attracting professional and amateur anglers from across the country. This isn't by chance; the lake's ability to consistently produce competitive weights and impressive individual fish is well-known. This high level of competition also means that the bass here can be a bit more pressured, but it also drives local guides and anglers to constantly innovate and share insights, keeping the fishery vibrant and exciting.

Being a border lake, Lake Hartwell offers an immense fishing area, with its main lake body stretching for miles and two significant river arms—the Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers—feeding into it. This vastness provides incredible diversity, from the clear, rocky main lake points to the more stained, timber-filled pockets of the river arms. This variety means that no matter your preferred style of fishing or the current conditions, there’s always a corner of Hartwell that caters to it.

Prime Structural Targets on Lake Hartwell

When fishing Lake Hartwell for largemouth, understanding the lake's structure is paramount. Main lake points and humps are perennial favorites, especially during the summer and fall. These underwater formations act as highways and stopping points for bass moving between deep and shallow water, and they often hold schooling fish. Deep-diving crankbaits, football jigs, and drop shots are excellent choices for targeting these areas, often requiring precise boat positioning and careful interpretation of your electronics.

Below the surface, Lake Hartwell holds an incredible amount of submerged timber and brush piles. Many of these are natural, remnants from when the lake was impounded, while others are intentionally placed by anglers and fisheries managers. These hidden sanctuaries offer bass shelter from the sun and a perfect ambush spot. Flipping jigs, pitching Texas-rigged worms, or slowly working a shaky head through these brush piles can be incredibly productive, though be prepared for snags!

The Tugaloo and Seneca river arms offer a different flavor of fishing. Here, you'll find rocky banks, steeper drops, and a multitude of feeder creeks. Bass often relate to these features, especially during seasonal migrations. In spring, these creeks are spawning grounds, while in fall, they become feeding corridors. Spinnerbaits, shallow crankbaits, and jigs fished along these rocky transitions can be highly effective. If you're curious about specific patterns, check out our guide on Lake Hartwell Spring and Fall Bass Fishing Patterns in South Carolina.

Adapting to Hartwell's Seasonal Bass Movements

Spring is arguably the most anticipated season for bass fishing on Lake Hartwell. As water temperatures warm, largemouth begin their migration into the shallow pockets, coves, and creek arm backwaters to spawn. This is when sight fishing for bedding bass can be effective in clearer areas, or targeting pre-spawn fish with spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and squarebill crankbaits along transitions. Soft plastics like weightless worms or jigs are also key for enticing wary spawners.

During the hot summer months, Lake Hartwell bass move to deeper, cooler water. Schooling bass become a common sight, chasing blueback herring on the surface during early morning and late evening hours. Topwater lures, flukes, and Alabama rigs are essential for these schooling fish. During the day, focus on deep main lake points, humps, and brush piles using drop shots, shaky heads, and deep-diving crankbaits. Fan-casting and using your sonar to locate schools are crucial tactics.

Fall sees a reverse migration as bass move shallower, following baitfish that are themselves moving towards the backs of creeks. This is a highly active time, with topwater lures, jerkbaits, and crankbaits working wonders along rocky banks and main lake points. The fish are often feeding aggressively, trying to put on weight for the colder months. Winter, though slower, can still yield big bites by targeting deep suspending bass with jigging spoons or suspending jerkbaits over main lake channels.

Lake Wylie: Border Water Bass Bonanza

Straddling the North Carolina and South Carolina border, Lake Wylie is a dynamic and productive largemouth bass fishery within easy reach of the Charlotte metropolitan area. This Piedmont reservoir, fed by the Catawba River, offers a unique blend of urban accessibility and wild, productive fishing, making it a beloved spot for anglers on both sides of the state line.

Wylie's Appeal for Consistent Largemouth Action

Lake Wylie's appeal for largemouth bass anglers lies in its consistent action and convenient access. Unlike some of the more remote lakes, Wylie is surrounded by residential areas, providing numerous access points and making it a popular choice for local anglers who can sneak out for an evening or morning bite. Despite its proximity to civilization, the lake manages to maintain a robust and healthy bass population, offering good numbers of fish, many of which reach impressive sizes. It’s a lake where you can almost always find a bite if you know where to look.

The lake presents a fascinating mixture of shallow and deep water, a characteristic of many Piedmont reservoirs. You’ll find expansive shallow flats and numerous coves alongside deep main channel ledges and swift current areas, especially near the dams. This varied topography, coupled with an abundance of docks, boat houses, and submerged timber, creates a rich and diverse habitat for largemouth bass, ensuring that they have plenty of options for feeding and cover throughout the year.

While Lake Wylie might not always produce the same sheer numbers of trophy bass as some of its larger counterparts, it consistently kicks out quality fish. Anglers often report catching several solid keepers in a day, with a good chance of hooking into a 4-5 pounder. This consistency makes it an excellent choice for anglers looking for steady action rather than just chasing a single, elusive monster. For a broader overview of opportunities, check out South Carolina Fishing Spots for Every Angler.

Targeting Largemouth in Lake Wylie's Diverse Habitats

The sheer number of docks and boat houses on Lake Wylie makes them a primary target for largemouth bass. These structures offer shade, shelter, and ambush points, especially during bright, sunny days or hot summer afternoons. Skipping jigs, shaky heads, or weightless soft plastics deep under these docks is a highly effective, albeit challenging, technique. The fish often hold tight to the pilings, requiring a precise presentation to coax them out.

Beyond the shoreline structures, the main channel ledges and points are crucial areas, particularly during the transitions between seasons and in summer. These underwater contours often hold schools of bass relating to baitfish moving along the channel. Deep-diving crankbaits, football jigs, and Carolina rigs are excellent choices for probing these deeper areas. Pay close attention to your electronics to identify subtle changes in depth or concentrations of baitfish, which are often indicators of bass activity.

Shallow coves and creek mouths are also productive, especially during the spring spawn and the fall transition. These areas warm up faster in spring, attracting pre-spawn bass, and in fall, they become feeding grounds as baitfish move into shallower water. Spinnerbaits, squarebill crankbaits, and topwater lures can be incredibly effective when covering water in these shallower, more protected zones. Look for any available cover like laydowns, stumps, or grass patches that might hold fish.

Best Times and Lures for Lake Wylie Bass

Spring on Lake Wylie is all about the spawn and the pre-spawn staging. As water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, bass move into shallow coves and creek arms. Spinnerbaits and squarebill crankbaits are excellent for covering water and locating active fish. Once the fish are on beds or guarding fry, jigs, soft plastics like creature baits, and senkos become the go-to choices. Early morning and late evening topwater bites can also be fantastic during this time.

Summer typically sees Lake Wylie bass retreat to deeper water, often suspending over main channel ledges or holding tight to deep docks and brush piles. Deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, and heavy jigs are effective for targeting these deeper fish. However, don't rule out an exciting topwater bite during low-light hours or on cloudy days, especially around points and areas with current. Sometimes, booking a local guide through FishingBooker can offer invaluable real-time insights into summer patterns.

As fall cools the water, bass on Lake Wylie become highly active and feed aggressively. They move shallower, chasing baitfish into the backs of creeks and along main lake points. Topwater lures, jerkbaits, and shallow-running crankbaits are prime choices. The schooling action can be incredible during this period. Winter presents a slower but often rewarding bite, with bass holding deep on ledges and humps. Slow-rolled crankbaits, jigging spoons, and suspending jerkbaits are effective when fished patiently.

Lake Greenwood: A Hidden Gem for Quality Bass

Lake Greenwood, often overshadowed by the larger reservoirs in South Carolina, is a genuine hidden gem for largemouth bass anglers. This 11,400-acre lake in the western part of the state offers a quieter, less pressured fishing experience with a consistently strong population of quality bass. If you're looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a productive day on the water, Lake Greenwood is well worth exploring.

The Underrated Largemouth Potential of Lake Greenwood

Many anglers, especially those new to South Carolina, tend to gravitate towards the better-known bass fisheries, inadvertently overlooking Lake Greenwood's fantastic potential. This smaller, more intimate lake boasts a healthy ecosystem that supports a thriving largemouth bass population. Because it receives less fishing pressure compared to its larger cousins, the bass here can often be more willing to bite, offering a consistent and rewarding experience for those who discover its charms.

The lake’s consistent production of healthy bass is a testament to its fertile waters and well-maintained habitat. While it might not always produce the double-digit giants that some of the other lakes are famous for, it consistently yields good numbers of chunky, hard-fighting largemouth in the 2-5 pound range, with bigger fish certainly present. This makes it an excellent lake for anglers who prioritize steady action and a good chance at a quality fish rather than just a single trophy.

Lake Greenwood features a diverse shoreline with a good mix of structure, offering plenty of options for bass at different times of the year. From rocky points and seawalls to submerged timber and healthy grass patches, the lake provides ample cover and feeding opportunities. This variety means that you can employ a range of techniques, adapting your approach to match the conditions and the bass's mood, making every trip a learning experience.

Key Structures and Cover to Explore

Rocky points and seawalls are prominent features on Lake Greenwood and are absolute magnets for largemouth bass. These hard structures attract baitfish, which in turn draw in predators. Bass will often hold tight to the rocks, particularly on points that extend into deeper water. Cranking lures that deflect off the rocks, or slowly dragging football jigs and shaky heads, can be highly effective in these areas, especially during the pre-spawn and fall feeding frenzies.

Similar to other developed lakes, docks and pier pilings provide crucial cover on Lake Greenwood. These man-made structures offer shade and a place for bass to ambush prey, making them prime targets year-round. Skipping jigs or pitching Texas-rigged worms into the darkest recesses under docks can be incredibly productive. It's often a game of trying as many docks as possible until you find the active fish.

Below the surface, Lake Greenwood has a good network of creek channels and areas with submerged timber. These features are particularly important for bass during the hot summer months and the colder winter period, offering both cooler water and ample cover. Using deep-diving crankbaits, Carolina rigs, or slow-dragging jigs along these channel edges and through timber can uncover hidden schools of bass. Good electronics are a huge asset for locating these deeper structures.

Effective Techniques for Greenwood's Largemouth

Spring fishing on Lake Greenwood is fantastic, with bass moving into the shallower coves and feeder creeks for the spawn. This is a prime time for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and shallow-running crankbaits fished along emergent grass lines and around docks. Soft plastics like weightless worms or jigs fished around visible cover will also account for many fish. Early mornings can also see a strong topwater bite as the water warms up.

In the heat of summer, Lake Greenwood largemouth typically move deeper to find cooler water. Focus your efforts on deep rocky points, main lake ledges, and the numerous docks and brush piles. Carolina rigs, deep-diving crankbaits, and heavy Texas-rigged worms or jigs are the best choices for probing these deeper zones. Early morning and late evening can still produce shallow bites with topwater or flukes, especially around areas with moving water or current.

Fall is a highly productive time on Lake Greenwood as bass become aggressive, chasing baitfish that are moving into shallower creeks and pockets. Topwater lures, jerkbaits, and shallow crankbaits are excellent for covering water and provoking reaction strikes. Look for schooling activity on the surface. Winter fishing is slower but can yield big fish on jigs, suspending jerkbaits, or slow-rolled crankbaits fished patiently in deeper channels and around submerged timber.

Comparative Look at South Carolina's Top Largemouth Lakes

To help you decide where to plan your next bass adventure, here's a quick comparison of these fantastic South Carolina largemouth fisheries:

Lake Name	Primary Character	Key Largemouth Structure	Peak Seasons	Common Lures
Lake Murray	Clear to stained, deep main lake, rich forage	Deep humps, rocky points, docks, submerged timber	Spring, Summer	Crankbaits, Jigs, Topwater, Spoons, Drop Shots
Santee Cooper	Vast, cypress trees, extensive grass, varied depths	Cypress trees, hydrilla, lily pads, offshore humps, ledges	Spring, Fall	Jigs, Frogs, Spinnerbaits, Deep Cranks, Carolina Rigs, Topwater
Lake Hartwell	Clear water, deep structure, strong tournament presence	Main lake points, humps, submerged timber, rocky river arms	Spring, Fall	Jigs, Drop Shots, Shaky Heads, Crankbaits, Topwater, Alabama Rigs
Lake Wylie	Piedmont lake, docks, mixed depths, strong current areas	Docks, boat houses, main channel ledges, shallow coves	Spring, Fall	Jigs, Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Topwater, Soft Plastics
Lake Greenwood	Underrated, less pressured, consistent quality	Rocky points, seawalls, docks, creek channels, submerged timber	Spring, Fall	Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Soft Plastics, Topwater

If you're ever feeling overwhelmed by choices or just want to learn the ropes from a pro, remember that booking a local fishing guide can make all the difference. Websites like FishingBooker make it super easy to connect with experienced captains who specialize in these specific lakes, giving you a serious advantage in finding those elusive largemouth.

Embracing the Largemouth Bass Challenge in South Carolina

South Carolina truly is a paradise for largemouth bass anglers, offering a diverse array of lakes, each with its own unique charm and challenges. From the deep, clear waters of Lake Hartwell to the cypress-filled expanse of Santee Cooper, and the bustling docks of Lake Wylie to the serene productivity of Lake Greenwood, there's a perfect spot waiting for every type of angler. The real joy in fishing these waters isn't just about the catch, but the journey of discovery, the thrill of the chase, and the sheer beauty of the Palmetto State's natural landscape.

No matter which lake you choose to explore, remember that understanding seasonal patterns, identifying key structures, and adapting your techniques are your best tools for success. Don't be afraid to experiment, try new lures, and most importantly, enjoy every moment out on the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your bass fishing adventure, South Carolina's lakes offer endless opportunities to create unforgettable fishing memories. Happy fishing!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or professional advice. Fishing regulations, conditions, and fish behavior can change rapidly. Always consult the latest South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) regulations before fishing and prioritize safety on the water.