Georgia DNR looks out for safety over holiday weekend

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As the weather gets warmer, you might plan to be out on the lake with your boats enjoying everything the lake has to offer.

But Georgia DNR says there are a few things you’ll want to be aware of to make sure your fun comes with safety precautions.

Summer has officially kicked off and it’s a busy weekend to be out on the water.

It’s the time of year where people are going boating, fishing, swimming and are enjoying being by the water.

“We try to gather as much as guys as possible to enforce the state laws and make sure the public is safe,” said Cory Bohannon, a Game Warden for Georgia DNR.

Boats have been coming and going all weekend on Clarks Hill lake where Georgia DNR expects to check hundreds of them to make sure they have proper safety equipment and are driving the boats safely.

“Definitely last year we saw an increase of boating under the influence, unfortunately. With our presence we increased last year, we still hold we’re still gonna hold that standard this year. That way we can make sure the public safe and has a good weekend, especially on a holiday weekend,” he said.

Last summer they had over 25 BUI’s and for the first official weekend of the summer, they’ve had one.

“It is very concerning. All we can do is just hope that people just make the correct decision. And just know that it’s just like driving a car, if you decide to drink, just have a backup plan and and somebody with you that can be the designated driver,” said Bohannon.

If you’re hitting the water they are also checking for things such as lifejackets, a fire extinguisher, working lights and are also making sure people are following the 100 foot rule law from shores, docks, boats and people in the water.

“We’re out here for those safety violations, or if we see something of concern that we can talk to those individuals about and hopefully it saves the life of another or themselves. So just we’re out here to make sure everyone’s safe, make sure everyone’s has their required safety equipment, and enjoying their weekend,” he said.

For more information about laws on the water, click here.

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