LAKE LAWS

Please keep in mind that the Cove & Lake Lanier are public property that is patrolled by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department, Hall County Sheriff’s Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Department, Army Corp of Engineers, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

There are certain things you are required by law to have on your watercraft. We highly suggest you familiarize yourself with these items.

Things to know:

  • Life Jacket & Class IV Throwable: In addition to having a life jacket onboard for every person. If the vessel is longer than 16 feet a Class IV throwable (the square one with handles) must be within arm’s reach of the captain at all times.
  • Navigation Lights: Navigation lights must be used in times of low visibility, not only at night (Keep extra bulbs onboard in the event one burns out.)
  • Fire Extinguishers: You must have a class B fire extinguisher. Type B is for flammable liquids. It is recommended that the fire extinguisher be conspicuously and securely mounted on its tinted hanger or bracket.
    Vessel Length:
    • Less than 26 feet: 1 x 5-B Fire Extinguisher
    • 26 feet to 40 Feet: 2 x 5-B Fire Extinguisher
    • 40 feet to 65 Feet: 3 x 5-B Fire Extinguisher
    • Larger: Research Coast Guard Standards
  • Sound Device / Horn: You must have a sound-producing device. It’s very common for horns to stop working on older boats, if your horn doesn’t work a handheld horn or whistle is required. Air can horns are available at most ship stores.
  • Alcohol & Drugs – Zero Tolerance: It is unlawful to operate a PWC or jet ski with a BAC of 0.02% or a boat with a BAC of 0.08%.

    “BY OPERATING A BOAT OR PWC ON GEORGIA WATERS, YOU HAVE CONSENTED TO BE TESTED FOR ALCOHOL OR DRUGS IF REQUESTED BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL.”

    Law Enforcement Officials can pull you over at any time during your day or night for these safety checks, with or without cause.
  • Marine Toilets: If you have a “marine toilet”, you MUST display the orange diamond marine toilet certificate. It is to be affixed to the hull adjacent to the vessel’s registration number. You must maintain a written log book of the previous 1 year for the times and locations of your pump-outs.

This page is meant to be a resource and does not encompass all Georgia and National laws for recreational boating. If there are any questions, please refer to a professional.