WLR Gives Memorial Day Water Safety Tips

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is coming up next weekend and visitors to Lake Hartwell are starting to arrive and looking forward to a long weekend of fun on the water.

That’s why the Georgia Department of Natural Resources wants everyone to remember a few simple safety measures to ensure you and your loved ones have a great and safe holiday.

DNR Law Enforcement officer Craig Fulghum says  he and fellow DNR officers will be out on the water next 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.

Fulghum 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.

Another important safety issue on the water is the use of life jackets. 

Georgia law requires there be enough life jackets for everyone on board. 

Finally, if  you’re planning to be out on the water this weekend, make sure you keep an eye on the forecast. 

With highs expected to be in the 80’s,Fulghum says it’s important you know what to do in the event of a sudden afternoon pop-up  storm.

And a reminder to parents that it is now law in Georgia that all young people on board your boat that were born after 1998 have a boater education license with them.

A free boater education safety course is available online at: https://www.boat-ed.com/georgia/