As Memorial Day nears, state officials warn Georgians: enjoy the water, but don’t risk your life.
Summer’s knocking — and for many, that means boats, beaches, and long weekends under the sun. But this year, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is doubling down on a serious message: be smart, be safe, and don’t make the holiday memorable for the wrong reasons.
It’s not just a friendly reminder. The water can — and often does — turn deadly. And with a rising number of drownings and accidents already this year, the DNR says it’s had enough.
Tragedies That Didn’t Have to Happen
Lake Lanier is once again in the spotlight — not for its beauty, but for yet another fatal incident. Dustin Valencia, a kayaker reported missing, was pulled from the lake last Friday. He wasn’t wearing a life jacket.
Just one name, one story. But sadly, far from the only one.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, nearly 9 out of 10 people who drowned in U.S. lakes and rivers in 2023 weren’t wearing a life jacket. It’s a stat that doesn’t sit well with Georgia’s DNR.
Colonel Mike England, head of the Law Enforcement Division at the agency, put it plainly: “If you’re not a good swimmer, that water is not forgiving.”
This year alone, 27 people have drowned in Georgia waters — and the summer hasn’t even started.
The Numbers That Should Make You Think
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the numbers are rough.
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2024 drowning total: 57 lives lost
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Boating accidents: 20 last year, 5 already this year
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Boating under the influence arrests in 2024: 259
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So far in 2025: 16 — and it’s only May
These aren’t just digits. Every one of them is a family missing someone.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s game wardens are bracing for more.
Life Jackets: Simple, Effective, Too Often Ignored
Want to know the easiest way to not die in the water?
That’s the DNR’s message, loud and clear. Whether you’re on a kayak or a jet ski, that jacket isn’t optional — especially for kids. In Georgia, the law is clear: children under 13 must wear a life jacket on a boat at all times.
But the message goes beyond legality.
“You can still get a tan wearing a life jacket,” England said with a dry chuckle. “It’s okay. It doesn’t make you look weak. It keeps you alive.”
One sentence. One point. One simple choice that saves lives.
The Drunken Boater Problem Isn’t Going Away
Not every danger on the water comes from the water.
Drinking and boating — it’s not just illegal. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Last year, 259 people thought it was fine to mix alcohol and boat engines. And some paid with more than a court date. Crashes. Injuries. Fatalities.
England said the state isn’t going soft this year. “No warnings. No second chances,” he emphasized.
Caught boating under the influence? Expect jail time, a steep fine, and your boating license revoked. That’s the price.
And it’s not just about boats. DNR is teaming up with road patrols to target distracted and drunk driving on land too. This weekend’s going to be heavily monitored, on water and road alike.
Lake Lanier: Beautiful, But Deadly
Lake Lanier is stunning. It’s also dangerous.
Every summer, it sees more than its share of deaths. Why? Overconfidence, alcohol, and poor judgment — that’s the pattern.
With water levels high and the sun blazing, Lanier will be packed this weekend. That’s almost a guarantee.
And the DNR knows it. Officers will be out in force — on boats, at ramps, around campgrounds.
Their presence? It’s not to ruin the fun. It’s to make sure everyone gets back home.
Georgia’s Game Wardens Are Gearing Up
Colonel England isn’t mincing words. His team is ready.
They’ll be at every major lake, checking boats, enforcing safety rules, and cracking down on risky behavior. It’s not just for show.
“Our goal is simple,” he said. “We want folks to enjoy Georgia’s waterways — and go home safely at the end of the day.”
It’s that last part that sticks.
Because fun on the water shouldn’t end with a body bag or a courtroom visit.
