Wednesday, July 2, 2003
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Wednesday, July 2, 2003 |
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Stay safe on the water this weekend
Conservation Rangers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division anticipate that the upcoming Fourth of July weekend will be extremely busy on Georgia's lakes and waterways and strongly encourage boaters to use good judgment and exercise caution while on the water. So far this year in Georgia, there have been 64 boating accidents resulting in 31 injuries and nine boating accident-related fatalities in addition to 19 drownings on state waterways.WRD Conservation Rangers also have issued 128 boating under the influence (BUI) citations statewide.WRD Conservation Rangers will be out in full force during the holiday weekend to help keep everyone on the water safe. "The Division hopes that everyone enjoys their holiday weekend, but we also stress that they remain alert to their surroundings while on the water," said WRD Lt. Col. Terry West, Georgia's Boating Law Administrator. "Boating accidents happen in a split second, and most could have been avoided by following some simple rules and safety guidelines for operating watercraft." Following are boating and water safety tips to remember while enjoying the holiday: There are no "driving lanes" on the water, so boat operators need to be educated on the "Rules of the Road" and be aware of all other boat traffic in the area. Wear your life jacket.Nine out of 10 drowning victims did not.Children under 10 years of age are required by law to wear a life jacket while on board a moving boat. Don't drink and operate a boat.Half of all boating fatalities involve alcohol.The boat's movement, vibration, noise, sun, glare and wind often produce "boater's hypnosis," so alcohol can affect people much more rapidly on the water.Make sure someone refrains from drinking alcohol so they can safely operate the boat. Always use navigation lights at all times on the water at night, whether the boat is moving or anchored.Do not wait until dark to turn your lights on to see if they are functioning properly. Don't overload your boat with people or equipment. Check the capacity plate on the boat that indicates the maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people that the boat can safely carry. Brush up on your boating safety knowledge.Take a boating safety course.There are three easy ways for boat operators to take a course in Georgia in a classroom, on the Internet at www.boat-ed.com, or through a home study course that can be ordered at www.boat-ed.com or by calling 1-800-460-9698. Watch your speed and don't jump wakes.The 100-foot law prohibits people from operating all vessels, including PWCs, at a speed greater than idle speed within 100 feet of any vessel that is moored, anchored, or adrift outside normal traffic channels, or within 100 feet of any dock, wharf, pier, piling, bridge structure, person in the water, or shoreline adjacent to a full-time or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant or other public use area.Jumping the wake of another boat within 100 feet also is illegal. Keep a sharp lookout and make sure you stay well clear of other craft. Know Georgia's age requirements for PWC operation and don't lend your PWC to anyone underage. Make sure everyone who operates your PWC is aware of safe boating rules and knows how to safely operate a PWC.As the owner, you could be held responsible. For more information on boating safety or how to take a boating safety course, visit www.goboatgeorgia.com or contact the local WRD Law Enforcement Office.
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