Thursday March 28th, 2024 6:04AM

DNR releases Labor Day statistics for Lake Lanier, state

GAINESVILLE - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Tuesday released Labor Day statistics for Lake Lanier and the state.<br /> <br /> According to spokesman Mark McKinnon, Boating Under the Influence (BUI) arrests on Lanier were down this year compared to last year.<br /> <br /> "On Lake Lanier this year, we had five BUIs and that is in comparison to six last year, so we're a little bit better i in that category," said McKinnon<br /> <br /> However, boating incidents were up this year compared to last year.<br /> <br /> "Last year we had two boating incidents, this year we had three boating incidents, so a little worse there," said McKinnon.<br /> <br /> Drownings were also up this year, statewide. "Last year we only had one drowning on the Labor Day weekend and this year we had four statewide," said McKinnon. "So it really was not as good a year on Labor Day as it was last year."<br /> <br /> Out of the three incidents on Lanier, one involved two vessels and injured three people. McKinnon said the investigation on that accident was ongoing and no charges, if any, have been filed yet.<br /> <br /> McKinnon also said there were several drownings statewide, including one apparent drowning that is still being investigated by the DNR and Hall County Sheriff's Office on Big Creek.<br /> <br /> "Our rangers across the state were really busy, there was a lot more activity than we had hoped for really for the Labor Day weekend," McKinnon said.<br /> <br /> "There's not really any rhyme or reason to that it's just that folks are not being quite as safe as they should be and taking those safety precautions into account when they get out there on the lake."<br />
© Copyright 2024 AccessWDUN.com
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.