LAKE BLACKSHEAR, GA (WALB) -
As we celebrate the 4th of July, thousands of South Georgians hit the water Wednesday.
Department of Natural Resource Rangers want boaters to use extreme caution and they urge you not to operate a boat if you've been drinking.
People spending July 4th on Lake Blackshear know the importance of safety.
"Being out there on the waters is like driving a car and actually it's a little worse to me," said Randy Stevens.
"We just have to be careful no matter where you're at, whether it's by people who are not drinking or if they are. Accidents happen and you just have to be careful," said Bryan Ware.
The Lake Lanier boat crash that killed two young brothers last month raised awareness of danger on the water.
Department of Natural Resource Rangers will be out all week in around-the-clock shifts watching for drunk boaters.
"Impaired boat operators not only endanger themselves or the occupants on board, but everybody else that's out here also," said DNR Ranger Randy James.
We rode with DNR Rangers as they performed boat checks and they want the public to be just as aware of drunk boaters as they are.
Just like drunk drivers, there are ways to spot drunk boaters. Look at how they maneuver in and out of the water and if you do suspect something's up, you can always dial 911."
"You got the sun, the waves, the motion of the boat rocking and the wind in your face… those are just additional elements that'll further impair the operator," said Ranger James.
Rangers hope visitors of the lake will be responsible and think twice before operating a boat under the influence.
DNR rangers also stressed the importance of having your boat up to code out there on the lake especially in case there is an emergency and help isn't around.
Governor Nathan Deal is pushing for the blood alcohol limit for boaters to be lowered from .10 to .08, which is the same limit for automobile drivers.
Copyright 2012 WALB. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and WALB, a Raycom Media Station. 
