National Safe Boating Week on Lake Allatoona
DNR Ranger First Class Mark Stephens (left) and Corporal Jason Roberson — 2012 DNR Ranger of the Year ~~ Photo by Robert Sutherland
This is National Safe Boating Week.
From now until May 24, 2013, governmental, local and national groups will inform the public about ways to stay safe on America’s waterways.
You don’t need to be a brain surgeon to figure out the most effective way to stay safe while boating: wear a flotation device.
Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show that drowning was the reported cause of death in 75% of recreational boating fatalities in 2010. Of those who drowned, 88% were not wearing life jackets.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division Ranger First Class Mark Stephens and 2012 DNR Ranger of the Year Corporal Jason Roberson met with the public over the weekend at Lake Lanier Islands to prove that Rangers are both professional law enforcement officers and nice guys too.
Georgia received a $3,400 grant from the National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It!” campaign to produce and display stand-up banners, plastic signs with the “Wear It!” logo, large custom banners and more to help Rangers promote water safety all year long.
If you drink, don’t drive … cars or boats. Please. We only want you to meet Rangers Stephens and Roberson under pleasant circumstances.
About the National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council represents over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations committed to reducing boating accidents and enhancing the boating experience. Visit www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com.