SOCIAL CIRCLE - Crowds on Lake Lanier and other Georgia reservoirs continued to be smaller than usual for a holiday weekend Sunday, a spokeswoman with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said.
"Statewide and on Lanier activity is down," Melissa Cummings with the DNR said. "Talking to the rangers, everyone seems to be behaving well."
The numbers reflect that. According to Cummings, no one has died on Lanier this weekend. There have only been two minor accidents and four people boating under the influence (BUI).
Cummings said the fuel crunch could be the reason for the open waters.
"We're looking possibly at gas prices to blame," Cummings said. "I know the fuel prices for boats are approximately a dollar higher than for cars."
Lower lake levels may not be helping either. Cummings said people have heard about the drought and the lower lake levels at Lanier and Lake Hartwell.
"Certainly, people may be watching their activity, people have heard about watching their activity around Lanier and watching for structures and things like that," Cummings said.
The only accidents reported this weekend happened Sunday when a boat back fired at Holiday Marina in Buford. One man cut his leg trying to put out the fire. Two other people were taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation. (See separate story).
"We want everybody to keep safe and don't let (Memorial Day) be the one that gets everyone," Cummings said. "Pay attention to other boaters on the water and wear your life jacket. Just pay attention to where you are and the others that are around you."
Cummings said, another person was hurt during a skiing accident on Saturday. Statewide, one person is dead after drowning in the Altamaha River in Southeast Georgia. There have been six boating incidents with four minor injuries. The DNR reported 28 BUIs across Georgia.
Wednesday
October 30th, 2024
1:36AM
