Better Boating Behavior 101

Not all lake accidents and drownings are the result of boating under the influence. Knowing specific boating laws and using proper boating etiquette makes the lake a safer place for everyone.

Boating under the influence (of drugs or alcohol) is obviously illegal, but there are a number of additional laws that are simple to understand and designed to help enthusiasts enjoy boating with piece of mind when it comes to safety.

According the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Lake Allatoona and Lake Lanier both rank among the busiest Corps of Engineer lakes in the country and peak boating season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

A common area of concern when it comes to boating (especially for beginners) is the question of who has the right of way when two boats are approaching each other in a crossing pattern.

According to Sergeant Chris Shelton, Traffic Specialist Unit and Marine Patrol Unit with the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, the rules of the road apply to boating just like vehicles on the roadway. "Vessels stay to the right and pass in opposing fashion, Says Shelton.

"As far as a vessel approaching another vessel from the right or left in a crossing fashion, the vessel is set up with navigation lights on the front, a split lens or two separate lights. "Red" light is the port side (left side) "Green" light is the starboard side (right side)."

Shelton advises boaters to remember this:

"In a crossing pattern if you see the "red" light or left side of the vessel as you are approaching each other you must give way to that vessel like a "red" traffic light. If you see the "green" light or right side of the vessel you have the right of way."

Additional laws as outlined within the boating division at the Georgia department of Natural Resources include the following:  

It is unlawful to operate a boat or personal water craft (PWC) or tow a person on water skis or any similar device at greater than idle speed within 100 feet of a:  

-  Moored or anchored boat or any boat adrift
-  Dock, pier or bridge
-  Person(s) in the water
-  Shoreline adjacent to a full--or part-time residence
-  Public park or beach or a swimming area
-  Marina, restaurant or other public use area

It is also unlawful to:

--Run around or within 100 feet of another boat at greater than idle speed unless you are overtaking or meeting the other boat in compliance with the rules for encountering other boats. ("Idle Speed" means operating your boat or PWC at the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering control.)

--Follow closely behind another boat, jump the wake of the other boat or change course or direction in order to jump the wake of another boat

--Fail to regulate your speed near swimming areas, docks, moored boats and boats engaged in fishing

--Operate a boat or PWC faster than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions (weather, boat traffic)

These rules sound very familiar to the rules and etiquette we follow when we get behind the wheel of a car. However, it often seems easier to abandoned our sense of roadway safety when it comes to driving a boat.

Many boaters print and laminate the boating rules as a handy reference and reminder they can attach to a visible area of their boat such as the instrument panel/dashboard of their boat.

Continually reinforcing the basic laws of boating is a smart habit for beginners as well as seasoned boaters.