Governor Deal announced that he will seek lower limits for Boating Under the Influence and for hunting under the influence when Georgia’s General Assembly reconvenes in January 2013.

The deaths of two young boys — Griffin Prince and Jake Prince — in a boating accident on Lake Lanier was alcohol related.

Paul J. Bennett has been charged with Boating Under the Influence in that fatal crash.

Here is Governor Deal’s statement:

“The current blood alcohol limit of .10 for boating and hunting is far too high.  As a state, we need to have one level across the board. When the General Assembly convenes in January, I will work with the House and Senate to pass legislation that lowers the legal limit to .08 for boating and hunting — in line with the legal limit for driving a vehicle.

“As governor it is my priority to protect Georgians to the best of my ability and enforce the law. Far too many tragedies have occurred as a result of boating under the influence, and we must take the necessary steps to keep people safe.”

Governor Deal also expressed our collective gratitude for the many public servants who worked around the clock to retrieve the body of Griffin Prince, who went missing for nine days after being thrown into the water in the June 18th boating crash.

Governor Deal wrote:

“I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to all of those who have worked around the clock in response to this tragedy.  The members of state, local and federal law enforcement, as well as the volunteers, involved in the recovery of Griffin Prince proved their dedication to not only their jobs, but also to the good of mankind.

For this I am thankful.”

We are also thankful for whatever is done to keep the waters of Lake Allatoona safe.