GAINESVILLE, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Officials with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources urge boaters to be cautious during Labor Day weekend.
Sgt. Lee Brown said "We expect there will be a high volume of boats on the lake this weekend, and we'll have four patrol boats on the lake Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from DNR."
Brown says boaters should be aware of underwater hazards since the level of Lake Lanier remains well below full pool.
"Make sure you have a life jacket on board for every person in the appropriate sizes, and make sure that life jacket is out, so they can get to it in an emergency situation," said Brown.
Life Jacket Loaner Stations are available at Hall County beach parks on Lake Lanier, with jackets available to loan for the day. All children under 10 years of age are required to wear a life jacket while a boat is moving.
Brown also said it is important to have a designated watercraft operator for those who plans to drink alcoholic beverages.
There have been nine fatalities on Georgia lakes this year, most of those on Lake Lanier.
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