DNR Out In Full Force This Holiday Weekend

 

 

Georgia DNR law enforcement is out in force on Hartwell Lake and other lakes in the North Georgia area patrolling the waters making sure people stay safe and watching out for impaired boaters.

DNR officer  Craig Fulgum said when it comes to boating, BUI’s are the DNR’s number one concern.

“We have a zero tolerance when it comes to operating their vessels under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

In Georgia, the new BUI law was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal this past spring.

The new law lowers the limit for being legally intoxicated on any lake in Georgia to .08 grams per 100 grams of blood from the current .10 grams, the same as the DUI laws for vehicles.

The move came after several boating deaths on Lake Lanier last summer that were alcohol related.

Fulgum said so far this year, there has only been one arrest on Hartwell Lake for BUI.

And there has been one drowning as well.

It happened last month near the old Reed Creek Boat Ramp in Hartwell.

Fulgum said it’s important that when you’re in the water, there’s someone nearby or with you.

“You know anytime you are going to be swimming in the lake you need to be swimming, have a life jacket or a friend their with you, to be there if something were to happen. You need to always be aware of your surroundings. The lake is full this time of year, so it is going to be a lot more difficult to swim from one are to the next. So, it is always good to have a life jacket with you while you are on the lake from one area to the next.”

For more information on boating and boating safety, visit the Department of Natural Resources Web site at  www.goboatgeorgia.com .