EDITORIAL: Can’t emphasize boating safety enough

Published 9:04 am Wednesday, May 26, 2021

A year like no other, residents will no doubt make plans to hit the road and the water this holiday weekend. As a lake community, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of taking added precautions on the water.

Taking precautions and following rules and regulations is vital.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, children ages 1 to 4 years and 15 to 24 years had a significantly higher risk for drowning than Georgians in other age groups — this includes all bodies of water — primarily lakes, rivers and pools. 

Georgia DNR includes a list of water safety tips on its website: 

•If you are a moderate swimmer — always wear a life jacket. Lake Sinclair has established locations where lake-goers can have their life jackets checked by DNR.

•Alcohol and swimming don’t mix. 

•Always swim with a buddy, never swim alone.

•Parents should always keep a close eye on children at or on the water. 

Swim in supervised areas only, and remember that drop-offs or other underwater hazards may not be detectable from above the surface.

Each year the Georgia DNR makes a concerted effort to enforce BUI laws and stress the importance of boating safety and alcohol use. An added danger of boating under the influence is that boaters often return to a landing at the end of the day, then drive home impaired on the roadways.

Remember that everyone on the water under age 13 is also required to wear a life jacket while riding in a boat.

Operators of motorized watercraft or boats must be at least 16 and have proper identification on board. There are boat size requirements for operators who are under the age of 16 that should be noted and can be found on the Georgia DNR website. Maintaining a safe boating speed and distance from others is key, as is the importance of remembering that alcohol and operating a motorcraft on the water simply do not mix. Just as with operating a vehicle on the roadway, operating a boat requires a sober and alert driver.

Most public boat ramps have rules and laws posted near the boat drop-in location — and they are posted for a reason and meant to be followed. Many boat ramps also have a boating safety brochure available. Be aware of your surroundings, not only in the water but also along shorelines and near docks and ramps. 

We urge our readers to follow the rules of the water and the road, drive safely and have a safe holiday.