Atlanta Injury Attorney Blog
The summer has technically come to an end for all intents and purposes, but this is Georgia and that means it will be hot for at least another two months; still, plenty of time to get out on the water and play. It is well known that Lake Lanier is a hot spot for fun and activity as soon as the weather gets warm enough to warrant a bathing suit. Georgians flock to the lake like bream to a cricket as soon as the temperatures get over 85 degrees.
With the availability of boat rental op
tions, fun places to eat and drink, and the ease of access to the lake itself, Lake Lanier is a convenient and fun place for Georgians to spend time when the weather gets right. Unfortunately, the influx of people brings with it an increase in traffic on the lake and an increased risk for injury and death. The purpose of this article is to provide you with some brief information and safety tips to help you navigate the risk involved in going to the lake to ensure your time there is as fun as it can be.
Lake Lanier opened for business in 1956. Since that time, over 700 people have died in Lake Lanier. It is currently owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is fed by the Chestatee and Chattahoochee rivers on the north end of the lake and the Chattahoochee River runs out of the south end of the lake. Since there is a consistent influx and the often outflow of water, there is at times in the lake a current that can cause the water to actually move and is something any swimmer should be aware of.
Between the years of 1994 and 2022, an estimated 216 people have passed because of lake activities. In 2023, there were thirteen (13) deaths in Lake Lanier. The most recent death in May of this year involved an elderly man who simply fell off of his boat when he tried to sit down on one of its chairs. Some 12 million people visit the lake annually. Not surprisingly, Lake Lanier also was home to the highest numbers of boating incidents, injuries, and boating under the influence (BUI) incidents in 2023. Below is a link to the Georgia DNR’s statistics from the years of 1994 – 2018.
Our Hall County Injury Attorneys have handled multiple cases on the Lake and even had to testify in a fatality drowning case in the Hall County Courthouse in 2019.
It will come as no surprise that many of the deaths that have occurred at Lake Lanier over the years involve the use of boats and involved boating accidents. Between 1999 and 2018, Lake Lanier saw 57 boating fatalities, and there have been numerous other tragedies on the lake since 2018 involving the use of boats. Many of these tragedies involved the use of alcohol, and almost every single one of these incidents was preventable. Over July 4 weekend in 2024, 27 Boating under the influence tickets were issued.
Boats are awesome. They allow us the opportunity to get out on the water and to enjoy Georgia’s heat instead of fearing it, and if we use a little common sense and some safe practices, everyone gets to go home with a little sunburn and some stories. Here are a few tips for safe boating practices:
- Wear a life jacket. Kids under the age of 13 are legally required to wear a life jacket in Georgia when a boat is in motion. While adults are not required to wear a life jacket, they are never a bad idea, especially if the lake is crowded or your boat is running at night.
- Speed kills and boats don’t have brakes. Drive your boat at a reasonable speed and don’t be in a rush. It’s a lake, there is nowhere to go fast anyways.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Unlike roads, the lake does not have lanes or traffic devices (for the most part). DO NOT assume another boat is going to give you space. So always leave enough room for a boat to pass or go around you.
- Look for markers. If you see a marker on the lake, you can assume it was put there for a reason and none of those reasons are “go faster.” In fact, they almost always mean “slow down.” If you see a marker, respect it and pay attention to it.
- Don’t drink and drive. For some reason people think it is legal to drink to the point of intoxication and drive a boat. It simply is illegal to do so. If you’ve over 0.08% BAC and a driving a boat, you are BUI and can be arrested for it. Perhaps more importantly, you are more likely to hurt or kill someone if you do it.
- Watch out for skiers and swimmers. They are not nearly as obvious in the water as say another boat, give them plenty of space and assume that the skier is going to fall.
The reality is that a little bit of common sense on the lake and a little bit of safety precaution will go a long way to make sure you and your family stay safe and have an awesome time on Lake Lanier. There is no need for you to be a statistic in next year’s DNR report. Give space, be courteous and don’t boat and drive. Our hope is that we will see you out there for years to come and that if something does happen to you, it’s only a little bit of sun burn.
If something more does happen to you though, we at Simon Bridgers Spire are here to help. We are lifelong Lake Lanier goers and are very familiar with the laws and ins and outs of litigation and claims involving the water and boating. When you hire us, you get an attorney, not just a case manager. You become our priority. We are here to make sure that what is a complicated and difficult time in your life is not made worse by a big insurance company who is looking to take advantage of you for pennies on the dollar. Our goal is to be your advocate and counselor. If you have been injured in a car accident, or know someone who has, please feel free to contact us (404)259-7635 to discuss your options. Our initial consultation is free and confidential. If you hire us, we will get to work right away.