DNR rangers will be out in force to promote safe Memorial Day boating

ALBANY - Law-enforcement officers from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will be out in force over the Memorial Day weekend as Georgians head for lakes and rivers -- some to be party animals and others to enjoy a peaceful day on the water with family and friends. <br> <br> Officials say Memorial Day and July Fourth are peak holidays for boaters. <br> <br> DNR officials held news conferences at five locations around the state Friday to remind boaters of safety regulations and to caution them about boating while intoxicated. Seventy-nine people were injured and nine were killed in boating accidents last year. <br> <br> Officials said they are particularly concerned about the safety of young people operating Personal Water Craft (PWC), which resemble floating motorcycles. PWC&#39;s can blast over the water at high speed and perform hair-raising maneuvers. <br> <br> Of the 130 boating accidents last year, 37 involved PWC&#39;s. Of the 79 injuries, 26 involved PWC&#39;s, according to DNR statistics. <br> <br> Youths 12 to 16 can operate personal watercraft without adult supervision if they complete an eight-hour boating safety course. Otherwise, they need an adult watching. <br> <br> One of the newer rules is the so-called &#39;&#39;100-foot law.&#39;&#39; It requires boaters to travel at idle speed within 100 feet of any vessel that is moored, anchored or adrift outside normal traffic channels. It also requires idle speed within 100 feet of structures, such as docks and bridges, swimmers and residential or recreational areas.