Jonathan Jackson
The Union-Recorder
MILLEDGEVILLE —
The Labor Day weekend signifies the end to summer, and that symbolism is clear on the waters of Lake Sinclair.
Though this past summer will likely be remembered for extreme heat, the summer boating season was relatively mild with just a few boating incidents, according to Georgia Department of Natural Resources Ranger Josh Copeland.
“Labor Day pretty much winds it down,” Copeland said Monday. “We had a boating incident yesterday when a 17-year-old had to go to Macon’s Medical Center for a concussion.”
Copeland said the 17-year-old was thrown from a personal water craft and was knocked unconscious. The teen was later released from the hospital with a mild concussion. Copeland said his office was aware of four incidents on Sinclair this summer that resulted in property damage or injury.
“Between the DNR and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, we had 14 BUIs (Boating Under the Influence) which is down from last year,” Copeland said. “In our minds, that is good because it seems people are beginning to use designated drivers when boating.”
Copeland said the DNR safety message seems to be getting through to boaters. Multiple stops of boating parties who were using alcohol yielded more and more evidence of designated sober drivers aboard the boats.
“Citations were issued all summer, and we do try to make sure that people understand the basic boating rules,” Copeland said. “We want safety to be first in the minds of boaters.”
Copeland said that the department’s drive has been to educate the public about boating laws and that this summer the message seems to have been heeded, though the lake traffic has been noticeably lighter.
“All in all it was a pretty safe season,” he said. “We saw a lot less traffic this year, though. It could be due to anything from the heat to the economy. Since July 4, the lake has been quiet.”
Copeland said lake dwellers and week-enders should prepare for a few different things this fall and winter.
“One of the main things people should do, especially if they are not going to be at their lake homes that often, is to make sure that everything is tied up and secured,” Copeland said.
Fluctuations of the lake level could cause boats to become unsecured and float away from docks. Copeland also cautioned about securing belongings around docks and in boat houses.
“Make sure that things that are easily accessible by water are secured, as well,” he said.
Also, Copeland warns lake dwellers to expect hunters on the lake.
“Hunting season has come back in,” Copeland said. “We’ll continue to check on boating and fishing, but hunters will also be out there either goose or duck hunting. It is a sportsman’s lake and hunting is legal on Sinclair.”
This winter, Georgia Power is expected to lower Lake Sinclair’s level by an additional three feet, which should allow for dock repairs. That lower level could cause boaters to run aground. Copeland said this winter boaters should be extra cautious about water depth. Contact the Georgia Power office of land management by calling (706) 485-8704.
For boating information on Georgia waters, visit www.goboatgeorgia.com.
