Georgia DNR Asks Residents to Use Caution On the Water

The July 4th holiday weekend is the highest boating traffic weekend of the summer in America and the National Safe Boating Council is taking the opportunity to urge boaters to make sure they have the right life jacket before they hit the water.

So far this year in Georgia, the Department of Natural Resources said that 42 boating incidents have resulted in 18 injuries and 20 boating incident-related fatalities. Additionally, the DNR says 24 people have drowned on public waters.

National Safe Boating Council Executive Director Rachel Johnson said the simplest thing to do to be safe is to wear a lifejacket each and every time you are out on the water. Wearing a lifejacket is not the only thing officials have urged to stay safe on the water.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources also said boaters need to obey navigation rules and the other rules of the water, and do not drink and boat.