Boating safety urged Memorial Day weekend | News

BUFORD, Ga. -- Memorial Day weekend kicks off the traditional summer boating season, but there have already been two drownings at Lake Lanier this year. There have also been seven boating accidents, one of which was fatal.

Law enforcement around Lake Lanier has several plans to keep visitors safe this weekend.

The first is a huge effort to encourage life jacket safety. Visitors will see posters and banners all over the lake for the Department of Natural Resources' "Wear It" campaign.

Visitors will also see extra patrols on the lake, looking for people boating while under the influence.

Boaters aren't the only ones who should take extra precautions on the water. Drownings at Lake Lanier often involve swimmers from shore. DNR warns the uneven ground makes Lake Lanier unpredictable and the hot weather can exacerbate the situation.

"The sun has a factor on you," Sgt. Mike Burgamy with the Department of Natural Resources. "The wind and waves can take a lot out of you." He suggested taking it easy and drinking plenty of fluids.

"We want you to be out there having a good day and make sure that at the end of the day that you go home safe," Burgamy said.

In 2011, there were 49 drownings and 11 boating fatalities across Georgia.