Wednesday, August 27, 2003
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Wednesday, August 27, 2003 |
Water safety encouraged for Labor Day weekendThe Labor Day Holiday signals the unofficial end of summer to thousands of boaters and many will take this into account as they head to Georgia's lakes and rivers to celebrate one last time before fall arrives.This year in Georgia there have been more than 114 boating incidents, 11 boating incident related fatalities and 33 drownings, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division. WRD Conservation Rangers also have issued more than 229 boating under the influence citations.All boaters are reminded that many accidents and fatalities could be avoided if safety tips are reviewed and followed over the course of the holiday weekend. "Holiday weekends almost always ensure larger-than-usual crowds on public waterways and that means an increased need for safety," said WRD Lt. Col. Terry West, Georgia's Boating Law Administrator. "Conservation Rangers will continue to strictly enforce all boating laws in an effort to keep everyone safe on the water, but we also encourage people to be extra cautious and pay attention to everyone on the water, including themselves." Safety is an issue for everyone on the water.WRD offers the following tips for those who use personal watercraft or jet skis: * Watch your speed and don't jump wakes.The 100-foot law prohibits people from operating all vessels, including PWC,s, 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.This means that it is illegal, in addition to being dangerous, to splash swimmers, other PWCs, boats, etc. * Know your vessel.Can you steer a PWC with the engine off?Be sure you know the answer to questions like this before you get on a PWC. * 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.As the owner, you could be held responsible. For more information on boating safety, visit www.goboatgeorgia.com or contact a WRD Law Enforcement Office.
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