DNR OFFERING TIPS TO STAY SAFE ON THE WATER THIS WEEKEND

This is National Boating Safety Week, and many Georgians are looking forward to being on the water for the first time this year during the holiday weekend.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division reminds all boat and watercraft operators that state law requires all boats and personal watercraft to contain enough lifejackets for each passenger, and children under 13 are required to wear a lifejacket at all times they are riding in a watercraft.

And all personal watercraft occupants are required to wear a lifejacket at all times.

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.

During the Memorial Day weekend, Game Wardens will be conducting safety checks and arresting any boater they find that is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to DNR Game Warden Noah Osborne.

And they will also be looking for impaired boaters this weekend.

DNR Game Warden Brennan Pierce says the Georgia BUI law is the same at the Georgia DUI law – caught you will go to jail.

Georgia law prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle, boat, or personal watercraft with a Blood-Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher.

Pierce recommends that, just as you have a designated driver when drinking on land, you should 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 said it is also good to have a “float plan.”

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Game Wardens have already investigated 22 drownings in 2024 and 53 people drowned in the state in 2023.

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.

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.