Lake Lanier: Holiday Boating Safety Tips You NEED to Know!
Labor Day weekend saw a surge of boaters hitting the waters of Lake Lanier, prompting a strong presence from law enforcement. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported 13 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) incidents and one boating injury as of Saturday night.
Safety First on Lake Lanier
To ensure boater safety, park rangers distributed laminated cards highlighting common mistakes. These cards reminded boaters to prioritize essential safety measures:
- Adequate life vests for all passengers, including adults.
- A visible vessel capacity plate.
- Sufficient floatation devices for everyone on board.
- Up-to-date fire extinguishers.
- A functional engine cutoff switch.
- A working sound-producing device (horn, whistle, or bell).
Atlanta News First observed families like the Emerys and Cromwells diligently adhering to these safety guidelines, emphasizing constant vigilance and defensive boating practices. Carl Emery likened boating safety to defensive driving on Atlanta highways – smart and courteous behavior is key. Lee Cromwell stressed the importance of avoiding alcohol while boating, drawing a parallel to driving a car without brakes.
DNR on High Alert
While some locals observed a decrease in boating activity compared to previous years, the Georgia DNR reported an increase in new boaters and overall boating activity this Labor Day weekend. This influx of inexperienced operators raises concerns about potential hazards and unfamiliarity with boating rules and regulations.
Thomas Ledford, a Georgia DNR game warden, noted a decrease in overall violations but an increase in BUI incidents. The DNR remains vigilant in its efforts to promote safe boating practices and enforce regulations on Lake Lanier.
Park rangers distributed over 2,000 laminated guides, hoping to keep boaters safe during the holiday weekend. Remember: Stay safe, be aware, and don't drink and boat!