Houseboat hits bridge on Lake Lanier; near drowning also reported

GAINESVILLE - Labor Day on Lake Lanier was marred by a near drowning and an accident in which a houseboat hit a bridge abutment.

"The operator of an 18-foot houseboat actually ran into Shoal Creek Bridge on Lake Lanier, " says Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Jennifer Barnes. "He did appear to be intoxicated," says adds, "the boat actually began taking in water and our Rangers had to act to recover the boat so it didn't sink."

The skipper was arrested, charged with Boating Under the Influence, plus reckless boat operation and operating with an expired registration.

During the holiday weekend, DNR Rangers issued a half-dozen BUI citations.

There was a near drowning reported Monday afternoon on Lake Lanier in Forsyth County. Forsyth Fire Captain Jason Shivers says it happened at West Bank Park off Buford Dam Road.

Shivers adds the man was already out of the water when paramedics arrived. It is unclear whether he was transported to an area hospital