FLOWERY BRANCH - The State Department of Natural Resources joined Team Georgia and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Thursday morning in stressing Lake Lanier on the eve of Memorial Day weekend - and with the lake at a record low level for this time of the year.
Meanwhile, people who run the marinas on the lake, such as Aqualand Marina where DNR, the corps, and others met the media to issue their call for a safe recreation season on Lanier, are hoping for a good turnout of boaters in spite of fuel prices and the low lake level.
Len Jernigan, Aqualand General Manager, says he's 'cautiously optimistic.
"There's a lot of pent up demand," Jernigan said. "A lot of folks have been waiting for the season and waiting for the lake level to come back."
"There's some new obstacles to be aware of but other than that its like being on the coast; our tide's out, and we just need to be a little more careful."
DNR ranger Mark Stephens, piloting his patrol boat on the lake, was one of those talking about safety.
"Lake Lanier as we all know is probably the lowest it's ever been this time of year so obstructions are clearly visible and some aren't," Stephens said. "It can go from 25 to 4 feet very quickly, especially when you get close to the banks."
Stephens added, "You've got to be kind of a multi-tasker. You've got to be aware of your surroundings, observe your speed and at the same time know the depth you're operating in."
Stephens does not know how many people are going to show up this weekend, but Lanier averages about 8.5 million visitors a year.
He said the lake has already seen fatality accidents. A Jet Ski driver died near the marina two weeks ago and there was a drowning at Van Pugh Park this week.
Both Michael Lapina with the Corps of Engineers and Ranger Pamela Garrison stressed being watchful, making sure life preservers are on board boats and that there is a designated sober boat driver if alcohol is present.
Ron Fennell, president of Team Georgia, said boat operators, just like car drivers, must watch their speed, avoid reckless driving and DUI as he announced Team Georgia's "Safe Skipper" program, where boat operators sign up and pledge to be designated boat drivers.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Commander Bruce Lindsey said its best to get trained on boat handling and the Auxiliary offers and incentive to do that.
"And those will get you a 10 to 15 percent fifteen discount on your boat owners insurance," Lindsey said.
Lindsey said boat operation classes are offered through the Auxiliary at the lake and also by the Department of Natural Sources.
Thursday
October 17th, 2024
8:35PM
