Georgia’s lakes and rivers stayed safer this Memorial Day weekend. The Department of Natural Resources reports zero boating deaths despite heavy holiday traffic.
🚨 Why It Matters: Boating under the influence remains a serious problem on Georgia waterways, with 29 arrests statewide during the three-day weekend. Safe boating practices directly impact the lives of thousands who enjoy the state’s lakes and rivers.
🚤 By The Numbers:
- 29 boating under the influence arrests statewide
- 7 boating incidents across Georgia
- 4 injuries reported, none life-threatening
- 0 fatalities on any Georgia waterway
🔍 Local Impact:
- Lake Lanier saw 2 of the 4 drunk boating arrests in North Georgia.
- Lake Hartwell reported one incident where three riders were ejected from a personal watercraft after hitting a wake, resulting in one minor injury.
- Lake Blue Ridge experienced a collision between a personal watercraft and pontoon boat with no injuries.
⏱️ Timing: The Department of Natural Resources tracked incidents from Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26 at midnight, covering the entire holiday weekend.
How to Read and Understand The News
When reading news, remember:
- Truth doesn’t change because we dislike it
- Facts remain facts even when they make us uncomfortable
- Events happen whether we accept them or not
- Good reporting often challenges us
Before dismissing news that bothers you, ask:
- What evidence supports this story?
- Am I reacting to facts or feelings?
- What would change my mind?
- Am I “shooting the messenger” because I don’t like what is happening?
Smart news consumers seek truth, not just comfort.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
