Plenty of boaters expected on Lanier this holiday weekend

UNDATED - The low water level and high fuel prices notwithstanding, Lake Lanier is expected to be awash with boats over the July 4 weekend.

Joe Anderson tells Channel 2 Action News he and his family will just make the best of it.

"When we purchased the boat a year ago, you know, fuel was probably about $2.50, so, now it's up to $5 on the lake, so, that's something you just have to consider."

Meanwhile, rangers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will be out in force over the holiday weekend, patrolling coastal and inland waters for those operating watercraft either recklessly or under the influence.

Lt. Col. Homer Bryson of the department's Wildlife Resources Division says boating incidents can happen in a split second and that many can be avoided by following simple rules and safety guidelines.

So far this year, seven people have died in boating incidents and another 34 have drowned in Georgia waters. Another 45 people have been injured in boating incidents.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Lake Lanier, issued a warning earlier this week for boaters, swimmers and skiers to be aware of the low water level and the dangers that come with it. (See separate story).

The level of Lanier early Thursday morning was 1,056.10, which is 1.57 feet lower than it was a month ago.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)