Community Corner

Lake Lanier Installs Channel Markers

Several recent tragedies prompt resort officials to act with boating aids the Sunset Cove area.

Boating accidents that have claimed the lives of three youths in the past two months on Lake Lanier have prompted resort officials to install a new safety feature -- channel markers.

Currently bobbing off the shore of the Sunset Cove area of Lake Lanier Islands are red and green channel markers, designed to aid in navigation through the busy harbor, according to a news release.

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“The markers are an effort to assist the boating public in accessing the cove in a more organized fashion, while providing improved entry to the cove by first responders in case of an emergency,” said Bill Donohue, Lake Lanier Island Development Authority's executive director.

were killed when the boat on which they were riding was hit by another boat. In July, Atlanta youth when he, while in an inner tube, was hit by a personal watercraft.

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A navigational phrase that Lake Lanier boaters might want to memorize is “Red, Right, Returning,” according to the news release. Red channel markers should be kept to the right as boaters leave Sunset Cove to “return” to the main channel of the lake. Green channel markers should be kept to the right when entering the cove.

“The combined safety and enjoyment of our guests is and always will be our number one concern,” explained Lake Lanier Islands Management Company’s Chief Operations Officer Grier Todd in the news release. “While Islands’ management and staff were all deeply saddened by the tragedies that have occurred elsewhere on Lake Lanier this summer, plans have been in the works to maximize the protection of resort visitors ever since Sunset Cove was first conceived. We always strive to ensure a fun and safe environment here at the Islands.”

People can visit http://www.goboatgeorgia.com/boating to view the Georgia DNR's Handbook of Georgia Boating Laws & Responsibilities, to find a Boating Safety course near you, to review safety tips, and more.

Also, citizens who have additional suggestions for boating safety measures at Lake Lanier Islands Resort are encouraged to share their thoughts via e-mail toboatsafe@lakelanierislands.com.

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