Tuesday March 19th, 2024 7:13AM

VIDEO: Law enforcement gears up for holiday weekend, boating season

GAINESVILLE—Rangers from a host of law enforcement agencies are gearing up for the busy Memorial Day weekend out on the various waterways in Georgia; the holiday marks the unofficial beginning to the summer boating season.

Various agencies gathered at Laurel Park in Gainesville Thursday to kick off the "Summer of Safety" to promote safer boating practices ahead of the holiday weekend.

"The three big keys to boating safety this year (are): no alcohol consumption on the water while you're operating a vessel, having enough PFD's (personal flotation devices), children under 13 have to be wearing their PFD while the vessel's moving, and also 'rules of the road,'" said Eric Isom, Ranger First Class with the Department of Natural Resources.

Those "rules of the road" include the "100-foot rule," which dictates that watercraft cannot go above idle speed within 100 feet of a person in the water, an anchored boat, or a shoreline.

Isom said most of the 19 boating incidents (two in Gainesville) they've had to deal with in 2015 could have been prevented.

"Most of the accidents this year have been due to alcohol, and not paying attention by the driver," said Isom.

This weekend—and the boating season in general—rangers will be looking for violations out on the lakes and rivers.

"First of all, are you operating the vessel safely? (Are) there any signs of impairment? Is the vessel overloaded? Does everyone on your vessel under the age of 13 have a life jacket on? (Rangers are looking for) general things like that. And over the years, you know what to look for," said Isom, who has 11 years of experience at his position.

The DNR reports 10 fatalities so far this season; there were 12 throughout the entirety of 2014.

Those issues don't stop at the boat dock, either.

"We're concerned. As we enter this holiday season, our (road) fatalities are 64 persons higher than they were one year ago," said Harris Blackwood, Director of the Governors Office of Highway Safety.

He said Georgia is working on nine consecutive years of reduced highway fatalities.

"Now we find ourselves moving in the wrong direction, and the law enforcement officers (in Georgia) are committed to stem that tide today," said Blackwood.

Isom said they expect to have 12 watercraft from various agencies patrolling Lake Lanier on the long weekend, a duty he said can stretch well past midnight some nights.

"We want you to come out to the lake and enjoy yourself. That's what the lake's here for. But our number one job is public safety, and we hope you do it in a safe manner," said Isom.

Those who would like to learn more about Georgia's boating laws and other safety tips can sign up for a free boater's education course, or call the DNR at (770) 918-6414 to find a class in their area.

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