New Lake Lanier Laws Take Effect Wednesday

It's official: As of Wednesday (May 15), a new Georgia law regarding the Boating Under the Influence legal limit and other boating safety regulations is in effect.

According to a Lake Lanier website, state officials will attend information sessions at local marinas around the state Wednesday. The visits will culminate at Laurel Park in Hall County, where Gov. Nathan Deal will give an address at 2 p.m.

Portions of the bill are named for late Buford youths Griffin and Jake Prince, and late Atlanta youth Kile Glover. The youths were killed in boating or watercraft-related accidents on Lake Lanier in 2012.

In March, Tucker resident Marty Counts died at the lake after a still-unexplained accident while fishing at night on his boat.

The legislation lowers the legal blood-alcohol content for boaters from 0.10 to 0.08. The new law also increases penalties for those found to be boating while intoxicated.

Another portion of the law requires all motorized vessel operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1998 to complete a boater safety education course, and further mandates all youths age 13 and under wear life jackets on a moving boat.

The legislation was co-sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman of Buford.

- What are your thoughts on this legislation? How will it affect your activities on Lake Lanier? Share your thoughts in the comments below.