Weekend campaign to educate Ga. boaters on drinking laws

GAINESVILLE - Just days after a fatal boat crash on Lake Lanier, this weekend marks the annual Operation Dry Water campaign in Georgia.

The campaign is an effort to remind boaters of the law when it comes to drinking on their vessels.

"I think that's the casual nature of boating for a lot of people. It's a recreational activity. It's fun. It's done on the weekends. It's after hours and after work, and it's all conducive to thinking you're having a good time," Department of Natural Resource spokesman Melissa Cummings said.

It's not illegal to have alcohol on the boat in Georgia or for the operator to drink. Cummings said operators must be below the legal limit, which is .10 on the water.

"So if they're operating a boat, we want to encourage them to stay sober and not be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance," Cummings said.

The man who crashed into a pontoon boat on Lake Lanier Monday, killing two Buford boys, has been charged with boating under the influence.