DNR, CORPS, URGING SAFETY ON HARTWELL LAKE THIS WEEEKEND

It’s the last official holiday of summer and once again, it’s expected to be busy on Lake Hartwell as visitors converge on the lake for the Labor Day holiday.

That’s why the Georgia Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to remember a few simple safety measures to ensure you and your loved ones have a safe weekend on the water.

DNR Game Wardens Phillip Nelson and DNR Sgt. Tim Vickery remind everyone planning to be on the lake, especially first-timers to remember the rules of the road and wear those life jackets.

Vickery says he and fellow DNR officers will be out on the water this weekend checking boating registrations and looking for impaired boaters.

Georgia has a zero tolerance for impaired boating, and if caught you will go to jail.

He recommends that, just as you have a designated driver when drinking on land, you have a “designated skipper” if you plan to have alcohol on your boat.

Other concerns for boaters this weekend include remembering simple things like making sure you have enough fuel and your boat is in good nick so you don’t find yourself dead in the water in the middle of the lake.

DNR Game Warden Phillip Nelson says it’s important to have a “float plan.”

And if you’re renting a boat from one of the marinas on Lake Hartwell you can call the marina to come get them and there is a boat towing service available called TowBoatUSA.

Also, new boaters can take advantage of a boater education and safety class by going online to https://www.boat-ed.com/georgia/.

Additionally, if you are short on life jackets, there is a life jacket lending station at the Tugaloo Mega Ramp at Tugaloo State Park in Lavonia as well as some parks and campgrounds on the lake.

To report a boating or PWC incident this weekend you can call 911 who will get in touch with the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division.