FLOWERY BRANCH—Aqualand Marina on Lake Lanier made a run at a world record Saturday, but wasn't quite able to make it happen.
Event organizers tried to put together the largest group of people and pets—all wearing personal flotation devices—at once to kick off Safe Boating Week.
"Japan set the record last year (with) 1,041 people in one place, all wearing life vests. The U.S. record (is) 593, and that was set in Ohio," said Amy McGuire, with Aqualand.
They had an official sign-in log to determine the total number of people at the site, which is located in Flowery Branch, and took an ariel photo of the group at noon.
Various public service groups were in attendance as well, including the Lanier Dive Team and Bobber the Water Safety Dog.
Children were also able to see a fire truck, ambulance, and search-and-rescue helicopter up close; a "mobile command center" was alsoon display.
"It uses the GIS (Geographic Information System) scanner to scan the bottom of the lake whenever a tragedy occurs," said McGuire. "It's not something a lot of people get to see. It hasn't really been on display publicly before, but it's a good opportunity for people to understand exactly what goes into a search and recovery operation."
Organizers were hopeful the event would promote safer practices around water.
This story will be updated with the number of those in attendance
