With so much focus on the highways this Labor Day, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is encouraging boaters to play it safe on the water.
“Holiday weekends often mean increased use of public waterways – and that means an increased need for safety awareness from all boaters,” DNR Chief of Law Enforcement Col. Homer Bryson said in a news release. “As always, conservation rangers will continue to strictly enforce all boating laws in an effort to keep everyone safe, but we also encourage people to pay extra attention to others on the water.”
To date in 2010, there have been 12 boating deaths in Georgia and 42 drownings in state waters, according to the DNR. Also, rangers have issued 122 citations for boating under the influence (BUI), DNR numbers show.
Officials offer a number of tips for staying safe on the waters this holiday, including wearing a life vest, not drinking while boating and knowing the rules for boating. They also suggest taking a boating safety class.