On Memorial Day weekend, one thing is certain – there will be thousands of boaters and anglers out enjoying the holiday on state waters, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Last year there were 130 boating accidents and 25 boating incident related fatalities in Georgia and DNR Conservation Rangers made 195 boating under the influence arrests. DNR continues a ten-year partnership with TEAM Georgia, a safe and sober driving and boating coalition, to promote safe boating and to encourage boaters to designate a sober skipper over the holiday weekend and throughout the summer.

“For many people, the holiday weekend signals the perfect time to be out on the water with their family and friends,” says WRD Director Dan Forster. “However, DNR and our partner, TEAM Georgia, want to remind everyone that public waters will be very crowded and in an effort to keep everyone safe, we encourage boat operators to stay sober and alert and know Georgia’s boating laws before heading out on the water.”

TEAM Georgia’s Safe Boating 2005 will reward those who register as a designated operator with a free non-alcoholic beverage, a safe boating guide, an overview of Georgia’s boating and BUI laws, and the chance to win other prizes throughout the summer. Participating Anheuser-Busch retailers throughout the state will serve as Safe Boating registration and information sites. For a list of participating retailers, or to sign up as the designated operator on-line, go to www.teamgeorgia.net .

“The use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities, underscoring the need to get our message of safe and sober boating out to every Georgian. In fact, drink for drink, a boat operator is likely to become impaired quicker than a driver,” explains Dr. Thomas Coleman, TEAM Georgia chairman. “We want everyone to enjoy our state’s beautiful waterways by remembering to put boating safety first.”

TEAM Georgia’s Safe Boating 2005 campaign will dock at Georgia’s most popular and populated waterways this season, hosting several Safe Boating Poker Runs and participating in community boating events.

DNR offers the following safety rules for boat and PWC operators:

Ø Designate an operator. Don’t drink and operate a boat.

Ø Take a boating safety course. To take a boating safety course, go to www.goboatgeorgia.com .

Ø Wear your life jacket. Children under 10 years of age are required by law to wear a life jacket while on board a moving boat.

Ø 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.

Ø Use navigation lights at ALL times when on the water at night. Check lights before it gets dark.

Ø Watch your speed. The 100-foot law prohibits people from operating ALL vessels at a speed greater than idle speed within 100 feet of any vessel unless overtaking or meeting another vessel in compliance with the rules of the road.

PWC operators also should be aware of these additional safety rules:

Ø Do NOT jump the wake of another boat.

Ø Pay attention to your surroundings and make sure you stay well clear of other vessels.

Ø Know Georgia’s age requirements for PWC operation.

Ø Make sure everyone who operates your PWC is aware of boating laws and how to safely operate a PWC. As the owner, you could be held responsible.

For more information on boating safety, visit the WRD website at www.goboatgeorgia.com . For more information on TEAM Georgia’s Safe Boating 2005, call 404-261-6053. TEAM Georgia is a safe and sober driving and boating coalition comprised of business and community leaders, governmental officials and Georgia’s professional athletes. Safe Boating 2005 is sponsored by Anheuser-Busch and supported by Anheuser-Busch distributors and retailers throughout the state. Bass Pro Shops is a Safe Boating 2005 Program partner.

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