FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — A large number of boaters are out on the water, along with Department of Natural Resources officers who have been patrolling all weekend long. The DNR said on all these different waterways– it keeps seeing the same laws being broken.
From jet skis and ski boats to pontoons and fishing boats, Lake Lanier is packed this Memorial Day.
John Stapleton, who was putting his boat down a ramp in Forsyth County, said safety is always top of mind when he hits the water but especially on holiday weekends.
“It’s just that weekend where everybody’s got to try it out,” said Stapleton.
The DNR said it has 200 officers patrolling waterways across the state this weekend and so far the same laws keep getting broken:
- Boaters not having enough or having improper life jackets.
- Boaters not respecting the 100-foot law, where they must be at idle speed within 100 feet of the shoreline, docks, marinas, people in the water, or other vessels.
- Boaters creating a wake in a no-wake zone.
- Boating under the influence.
The DNR said so far, its officers have arrested at least 11 boaters for DUI statewide this weekend.
Stapleton said he’s not surprised.
“I don’t drink so I’m always the sober pilot, but it gets stupid,” said Stapleton.
Stapleton added it all starts with the owner of the boat– coming prepared, obeying the laws, and using common sense.
“Just be responsible because you’re responsible for everybody on the boat,” said Stapleton.
If you’re on the water and see a situation that’s unsafe, the DNR said you should call 911 or the Game Warden Hotline at: 1-800-241-4113.