Boating & Jet Ski Safety for the Summer Season

Summer time lake fun is one of the reasons visitors travel to North Georgia. Thousands of visitors enjoy boating, jet sking, kayaks, canoes, tubing or paddle boards to cool off on a hot summer day.

The Department of Natural Resources wants to caution everyone about being prepared and using the appropriate equipment before you get on the water. Your preparation could prevent a fatality, injury or a fine while operating a (PWC) (Personal Watercraft).

By following some simple rules & paying attention to your surroundings you can help family, friends, & guests to enjoy water time.

Life jackets are Essential and at the core of safe boating, whether using a motorized or non-motorized vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 81% of boating deaths in 2021 were due to drowning, and 83% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket.

Life preservers are mandatory on all motorized & non-motorized PWC in the State of Georgia Jet skiers & boats pulling tubes, wakeboards, etc. should make sure all life jackets fit properly and are fastened!

Be prepared Before setting out:

Check equipment for good working order. Thoroughly understand boating laws and rules of the road. Many states impose stricter age restrictions on personal watercraft use. Check local boating laws for the specifics in your area. Different size PWC have different passenger and weight capacities; exceeding either could negatively affect the handling of the craft.

Review a checklist for what you need, including a tool kit and first-aid kit. Before you leave, always file a float plan with someone you trust Dress properly and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Don’t forget sunscreen & know signs of heat illness.

Use Good Judgement - Don’t Drink & Drive a Boat, alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination.

Once on the water, use common sense; in a split second, a situation can arise or weather can turn. If you notice storm clouds, a sudden temp drop, or wind speed increasing, play it safe & get off the water.

Tips for Water Skiers, Tubers, & Wake boarders – Skiing, tubing & wake boarding are popular water sports, but they also can be dangerous at high speeds. Take the following steps to minimize risks:

- Learn how to get up out of the water and how to safely use the tow rope.

- Always have a spotter in the boat, and go over basic hand signals.

- Make certain the towline is not caught in the propeller or wrapped around you prior to beginning

- Wait for the propeller to stop before getting back on the boat! Never attempt to board when the engine is running, and keep loose clothing and long hair clear of the pump intake.

- Always give other boaters ample space, as well as stay a safe distance from shore.

- Never follow directly behind another watercraft, jump boat wakes, or attempt to spray other boaters, swimmers or beachgoers. Falls can & will happen, especially during the learning process. Should you start to fall, don’t be tempted to hang on. It’s safer to get clear of the watercraft. Reboard only with engine off, with driver boarding first & then passengers.

- Enjoy these activities during daylight hours only!

Keeping these best practices in mind will make for a serene summer of lake fun & Remember: safety first, relaxation second!