Boat safety importance during spring and summer seasons

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has already seen two drowning deaths this year associated with boats on the lake.

Now, they're working to keep those numbers down as boating season ramps up.

The Department of Natural Resources rangers said everyone must wear life jackets at all times.

They also said to have throwable devices on your boat in case of an emergency.

Most importantly if you are drinking, rangers said have another driver operating the boat to prevent boating while impaired.

"If you're charged with BUI, it's no different than if you're charged with DUI. It's high fines, lost of privileges. You got to look at being on a boat there's no brakes, there's no stop signs, there's no red lights, there's nothing out there to prevent anybody from driving anywhere," said Greg Wade, Corporal at Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Law enforcement officials said if there's severe weather, it is best to stay off the water completely.

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