SC H4929

Requires owners and operators of freshwater swimming locations in South Carolina to post notices warning about Naegleria fowleri, a naturally occurring amoeba that can cause fatal brain infections when water enters through the nose

Department of Environmental Services must provide free standardized warning notices explaining the amoeba occurs in warm freshwater bodies and soil, infection is extremely rare but nearly always fatal if it reaches the brain

Warning notices must include prevention tips: avoid warm freshwater during high temperatures and low water levels, hold nose shut or use nose clips, keep head above water, and avoid disturbing sediment

Department must conduct annual inspections of all freshwater swimming locations before summer to verify compliance and notify non-compliant owners

Civil penalty of $100 per day applies for violations after receiving notice, though the department may waive penalties for timely compliance; collected fines offset program implementation costs