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Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia is Lake Lanier, one of the most popular lakes in the Southeast. |
Lake Lanier is a large reservoir formed from the Chattahoochee River. Buford Dam is at the south end of the lake.
In addition to providing a water supply, this dam has also created a lake that lets over 7 million visitors a year enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and other water sports.
Fishing tournaments are held throughout the year, making Lake Lanier an eagerly sought out location for fishermen. Catfish, trout, stripers, and bass are frequently caught fish, and the lake is stocked with plenty of other types of fish. Boat regattas, Dragon boat races, canoe & kayak racing, and other organized events are also held here, making this lake a place to visit at any season.
Boating on Lake Lanier - Don't Become a Boating Statistic
It is generally hot and sunny at Lake Lanier, so it is only natural that people will want to cool off in or on the water. There is really no better way to take the edge off a blistering day than by taking your boat out onto the lake. Rentals are available if you don't have your own boat.
Many people, responsible and careful while driving their car, seem to leave thoughts of safety behind when they take out their boat. It probably has to do with the fact that there are no streets or designated areas on which to drive; driving a boat just feels free. Also, people may be more relaxed, allowing them to become careless. Unfortunately, over 700 people a year are killed in boating accidents, and most of these deaths could have been prevented if some common sense and simple rules had been followed. |
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Everyone has heard the phrase “Don’t Drink and Drive!” but some boaters seem to think it refers only to people driving automobiles. It is not surprising to learn that half of the deaths that occur in boating accidents involve alcohol. If you are going to be going out on a boat, it just makes sense to refrain from drinking until you get the boat back into its berth.
Alcohol affects your judgment, perception, and reflexes, and can contribute to accidents in a boat just as easily as it can in an automobile. Using any kind of recreational drug can also be dangerous, as can prescription drugs. Check to be sure that your medication will not affect your ability to control your boat.
Besides not drinking, there are other safety rules that should be followed to make sure that your boating trip ends well. It is important that the operator of the boat and everyone aboard wear personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life jackets. Many people skip this because they find the devices uncomfortable, but the alternative of finding yourself in the water after a boating accident, perhaps with an injury, is even more so. This is especially vital for any children aboard. Children should wear life jackets that fit properly and securely when out on the water. |
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 When you are pulling skiers or towable tubes, such as the 3 rider Sportsstuff super mable, be sure that the skiers and riders are wearing life or ski vests, and that they know hand signals so they can communicate with the boat.
The basic signals are:
. Faster - thumb up
. Slower - thumb down
. Okay - tip of index finger and thumb together
. Stop - hand slashing across neck
. Back to shore or dock - pat head
When operating a boat, courtesy and patience as regards to swimmers and other boaters will help to keep your time at Lake Lanier enjoyable and safe. |
| Swimming Safety |
Boating is hardly the only activity on Lake Lanier; there is plenty of shoreline with beaches where you and your family and friends can cool off. Of course, the first thing to be considered in swimming safety is to know how to swim. Many people get into trouble in the water simply because they do not know basic swimming skills. A drop off in the lake can surprise even the best swimmer, but imagine what it would be like for someone who was unable to swim.
Boats can pose a danger to any swimmer, and as Lake Lanier has many boating activities, the wise swimmer should always be careful not to get too close to a boat. Stay in designated swimming areas, or close to shore. Never assume that the boat "sees" you. Even though each boat should have a designated "spotter," sometimes the sunlight, waves, or other things may prevent you from being seen by the group on a boat.
Swimming is fun, and should always be enjoyable for everyone. Practicing a few simple rules of safety will ensure that every time you go into the water, you will come out of it safe and sound.
So make your plans to come to Lake Lanier. There are activities for everyone in the group, whether it's to relax and sit by the lake, or get out on the water and make some waves! |
 Jane Warren and her husband live in Atlanta, Georgia. They enjoy all types of water sports and actively participate in boating, scuba diving, swimming, tubing and rafting.
Because of her love of water sports, Jane runs the popular website www.towabletubesdirect.com that provides information and reviews on other quality water sports equipment, such as the best fishfinder & GPS systems.
Other sport items include wakeboards, kayaks, and water skis.
Spending so much time on the water, Jane also understands the importance of following basic water safety procedures. Her family has experienced the tragedy of losing a family member due to a boating accident, and she hopes this information can make others aware of the value of being safe, not sorry, when enjoying lake or beach activities. |
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Check These Out:
 Lake Lanier Parks
Lake Lanier Campground
Lake Lanier Regulations
Lake Lanier Fishing Info
Georgia Lakes
WMA Public Fishing Areas
GA Fishing Lakes
Georgia Rivers & Map
GA Lakes & Rivers Map
Water Safety
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