Labor Day Weekend on Lake Allatoona
DNR Rangers working to keep Lake Allatoona safe. (Photo: Robert Sutherland)
Chris Purvis of the Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Allatoona confirmed with LakeAllatoona.com this morning that visitors to the lake will not be charged this weekend for beach access because the water is so low.
Summer full pool at Allatoona Lake is 840 feet above sea level. Friday, August 31, 2012, the level was 834.77 — more than 5′ below full pool.
For boaters that translates to the danger of hitting sand bars, tree limbs and other submerged structure in the lake.
The Wildlife Resources Division of Georgia’s DNR urges boat drivers and passengers to be alert, sober and cautious.
“Holiday weekends create a need for increased safety awareness from all boaters,” says Lt. Col. Jeff Weaver. “As always, conservation rangers will strictly enforce all boating laws in an effort to keep everyone safe, but we also encourage people to pay extra attention to others on the water.”
So far this year there have been 96 boating incidents, 9 boating incident-related fatalities and 33 total drownings on Georgia waters. Conservation rangers also have issued a total of 167 boating under the influence citations.
Prevent accidents and fatalities by reviewing the following safety tips:
- Designate an operator. Do not drink and operate a boat.
- Take a boating safety course. Visit www.goboatgeorgia.com for course listings.
- Wear a life jacket. Children under 10 years of age are required by law to wear a life jacket while onboard a moving vessel, but it’s recommended for EVERYONE to wear a life jacket.
- Don’t overload your boat with people or equipment. Check on the capacity plate for the maximum weight or the maximum number of people the boat can safely carry.
- Use navigation lights at ALL times when on the water at night. Check lights before it gets dark.
- Watch your speed. The 100-foot law applies to ALL size vessels and prohibits operation at speeds greater than idle speed within 100 feet of any vessel, unless overtaking or meeting another vessel in compliance with the rules of the road