“No Warnings” For Boating Under the Influence

Area lakes have been busy since the weekend began with Independence Day celebrations underway through Tuesday.

While you're having fun in the sun, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources wants you to know it won't be fun if you get caught operating a boat under the influence.

DNR officials reported eight BUIs and one boating injury over the weekend.  Four people were arrested in Columbia County for boating under the influence Saturday and Sunday.

Officials want boaters to know there will be no warnings given before they issue a BUI to boat operators.

In addition, officials say it's important to remember that a wakeboarding law that went into effect July1 says that wakeboarders or wake surfers must maintain a distance of at least 200 feet away from docks, piers and shorelines.  Wake surfing and wakeboarding is now prohibited between the hours of sunset and sunrise.  "We've had people get knocked off docks and had some damage to shorelines.  Mainly it's just too close to the shore," said Major Stephen Adams with the Georgia DNR.

Wakeboarders and wake surfers are now required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while participating in those activities in state waters.  The new law does not apply to private lakes, ponds or rivers.