Be Safe Boating this Memorial Day Holiday

The long Memorial Day Holiday weekend will have many people spending time on area lakes, so don’t leave safety in the wake.  Rabun County Assistant Fire Chief Justin Upchurch offers these tips for staying safe on the water while boating.  “One of the main things, while you are out enjoying the lake, is to wear your lifejacket.  Georgia law actually states that all children under the age of 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device while on board a moving vessel.  So, any kids under that age while your boat is actually moving in the water need to be wearing a personal floatation device, and anybody above that age that can’t swim or is not a very good swimmer it is always great to be cautious and have them wear a lifejacket also.  Take a boater safety class.  You can go to DNR’s website and look at the state-approved boater safety classes that are available online or actually in person.  Carry all your required safety gear.  Always use your engine cutoff device.  You need to file a float plan or at the minimum let someone know where you are going to be in case you don’t come back or if something happens, your boat breaks down, they kind of have an idea where they can look for you.  Always be aware of the weather and water conditions and know that things can change very rapidly out on the lake.  Always boat sober!  No drinking and boating.  Always be considerate of others out on the lake.”  Please follow this boating safety advice from the Rabun County Fire Department and have a good time on the lake.