DNR Officials Caution Safety on the Water Over Memorial Day Weekend

The Memorial Day holiday weekend is just a few days away, and both the City of Toccoa and County Commissioners have issued proclamations making this Safe Boating Week in Toccoa-Stephens County.

Already visitors to Lake Hartwell are starting to arrive and looking forward to a long weekend of fun on the water.

That’s why the Georgia Department of Natural Resources wants everyone to remember a few simple safety measures to ensure you and your loved ones have a great and safe holiday.

This is also National Safe Boating Week, and according to DNR Law Enforcement officer Craig Fulghum, he and fellow DNR officers will be out on the water checking boating registrations and looking for impaired boaters.

“The number one issue and danger to boaters on our waterways in Georgia are individuals who are out there boating under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” he said. “And as officers and game wardens in the State, our job is to get them off the water as quickly as we can so that everybody who is trying to do it right can enjoy their day.”

Georgia has a zero tolerance for impaired boating, and if caught you will go to jail.

Fulghum recommends that, just as you have a designated driver when drinking on land, you have a “designated skipper” if you plan to have alcohol on your boat.

Another important safety issue on the water is the use of life jackets.  Georgia law requires there be enough life jackets for everyone on board.

“As far as life jackets, make sure each individual has a life jacket on the boat,” he said. “If they’re under the age of 13, they have to have a lifejacket on at all times. That’s a big safety issue on Lake Hartwell. We’ll be looking for boats with children making sure they have on a life jacket and that it’s the proper size and fit.”

Several years ago, the DNR instituted a life jacket lending kiosk on Lake Hartwell. Fulghum says it’s a great way to make sure you have enough life jackets on board.

“If you’re out there on the water and you find you are one or two short or they don’t fit right, you can go up to our life jacket loaner board at the mega ramp and borrow one or two for the day. All we ask is that when you’re done using it that your bring it back,” he said.

Additionally, if you have extra life jackets that you’re no longer using you might want to consider donating them to the DNR for their life jacket loaner program.

Finally, if you’re planning to be out on the water this weekend, make sure you keep an eye on the forecast.

With highs expected to be in the 90’s, afternoon pop-up thunderstorms could happen, and Fulghum says it’s important you know what to do in the event of a storm.

“The main thing is that you’re always prepared; keep an eye on the radar and make sure you can get to shore quickly and get to shelter fast in the event of a storm,” he explained. “Cellphones are very useful for using radar to let you know when a storm is coming. Try not to use the big water near the dam. Try to stay in these small areas where you can get back quick to your home or the boat ramp. It looks like these storms start ramping up towards evening and after dark and the last place you wnt to be is on the water at night when a storm comes up. So always pay attention to your radar and to your surroundings.”

And a reminder to parents that it is now law in Georgia that all young people on board your boat that were born after 1998 have a boater education license with them.

A free boater education safety course is available online at: Boater Education Course