On February 2019, a boating accident in South Carolina took the life of a 19-year-old young girl named Mallory Beach. The tragic incident prompted many discussions on boating safety, liability, and regulations in the state. The case made headlines again in 2021, when the autopsy results were released, shedding new light on the circumstances of Mallory’s death and their implications for the boating community in South Carolina.
The Autopsy Results
The autopsy results of Mallory Beach’s death revealed that she died from drowning, with blunt force trauma as a contributing factor. The tests conducted by the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) showed that Mallory had a blood-alcohol level of 0.15, nearly double the legal limit for operating a vessel. The autopsy also showed that Mallory suffered severe head injuries and broken bones, likely from hitting the boat’s propeller blades when she fell overboard.
The impact of these results is significant, as they suggest that multiple factors led to Mallory’s death, including alcohol consumption, lack of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and reckless boating. The autopsy also brought to light questions regarding the boat’s safety equipment, such as its emergency lights, its proximity to the shore, and the operator’s experience and training.
Boating Laws in South Carolina
South Carolina has several boating laws that regulate the operation, equipment, and safety of vessels. According to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), every boater in the state must comply with these regulations, which include mandatory boating education, life jackets for all passengers, and strict blood-alcohol limits when operating a boat.
The South Carolina Boat Safety Act defines a vessel as any watercraft used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. The law requires that every vessel must be equipped with proper navigation lights, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, and other safety equipment. Boaters must also follow speed limits and no-wake zones, which are designated areas that prohibit excessive speeds that may create dangerous waves or currents.
Boaters under the age of 16 must also have adult supervision when operating the vessel, while those between 16 and 17 must have proof of boating education or take a proficiency exam. The South Carolina Boating Education Program offers online, classroom, and on-the-water training for boaters of all ages and skill levels.
The Impact of Mallory Beach’s Death
The tragic death of Mallory Beach has highlighted the importance of boating safety and the need for stronger enforcement of existing regulations. The case has also sparked discussions on possible updates and reforms to South Carolina’s boating laws, based on the autopsy results and other investigations.
One such proposal is the “Mallory’s Law” bill that was introduced in the state’s General Assembly in 2020. The bill aims to increase the penalties for boaters who cause death or injury due to reckless or negligent behavior, such as operating a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The bill would also require boaters to report any accidents that result in damage or injury to law enforcement and provide their contact information to the other party involved.
Another proposal is to increase funding for law enforcement agencies and the DNR to improve their capacity to patrol and enforce boating laws. South Carolina’s vast waterways and coastline make it challenging for authorities to monitor and deter unsafe boating practices. Increased resources could enable law enforcement to conduct more comprehensive inspections, testing for alcohol or drug use on boats, and respond to emergencies more promptly.
The Beach family has been active in advocating for boating safety and reforms to prevent future tragedies like Mallory’s. They have started the “Mallory’s Movement” foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of boating and promote responsible practices among the boating community. The foundation’s website offers resources for boaters, families, and youth programs, such as boating education, outreach, and counseling.
Conclusion
The Mallory Beach tragedy has had a profound impact on South Carolina’s boating community and prompted many discussions and actions to improve safety and regulations. The autopsy results have shed new light on the factors that contributed to Mallory’s death, raising questions about alcohol use, lack of PFDs, and reckless operation of the boat.
Moving forward, it is essential for all boaters to follow the state’s laws and best practices for safe and responsible boating. Boaters should ensure that their vessels are equipped with proper safety equipment, have enough PFDs for all passengers, and are operated by a trained and sober driver. Boaters should also be mindful of environmental factors, such as weather conditions, water depth, and obstructions.
The mallory’s Law bill and other proposals for boating reforms may provide additional measures to deter unsafe boating practices and increase accountability for those who cause harm to others while operating a vessel. Ultimately, preventing tragedies like Mallory’s should be a shared responsibility among all boaters, law enforcement, and policymakers to protect the safety and enjoyment of South Carolina’s waterways.
