DNR urges safety on Lanier, other lakes for Labor Day weekend

GAINESVILLE - Officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are asking boaters to be cautious during the last big lake weekend of the year.

Sgt. Lee Brown said despite a forecast that includes daily rain, rangers expect a high volume of watercraft on the lake during the Labor Day holiday.

"We expect there will be a high volume of boats on the lake this weekend, and we'll have four patrol boats on the lake Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from DNR," said Brown.

Brown said boaters should be wary of underwater hazards since the level of Lake Lanier remains well below full pool.

"Make sure you have a life jacket on board for every person in the appropriate sizes, and make sure that life jacket is out, so they can get to it in an emergency situation," said Brown.

And, Brown said it is vital for those who plan to consume alcohol to have a designated operator for any watercraft.

The warnings come after nine fatalities on Georgia lakes this year, the majority of those occurring on Lake Lanier.


Note from Safe Kids Gainesville/Hall County: Life Jacket Loaner Stations are available at all Hall County beach parks on Lake Lanier. They are available for loan for the day. Also remember all children under the age of 10 are required to wear a life jacket while a boat is in motion. If purchasing a life jacket make sure you buy one that is based on the child's weight. Life jackets are always the best protection for children and adult of all ages.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/8/252379