ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - South Georgia is gearing up to celebrate the unofficial end of summer this Labor Day weekend.

South Georgia officials want to reiterate the importance of practicing safety when heading out to the water with friends and family.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), since the start of this year, in bodies of water across the state, there have been:

• 100 boating incidents
• 10 boating fatalities
• 59 drownings
• 271 BUI arrests

The Crisp County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Billy Hancock told WALB that those incidents happen more frequently around holidays.

“Let’s obey all those rules of the lake while we are out here so we can have a fun, safe weekend on this water behind me,” he said.

Sheriff Hancock says he wants the public to be aware of potential drownings, especially those involving children. The best way to prevent drownings is to make sure there are enough, well-fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jackets on board the boat.

“So, make sure that you’ve got enough flotation devices for everyone on your vessel. Make sure that it’s an approved vest and that your children are already wearing them. That way, if anything does happen, you don’t have to take time and get them secure. Let’s go ahead and put them on right when the children get in the boat,” said Sheriff Hancock.

Sheriff Hancock says that there will be more law enforcement out this weekend. GSP troopers will have a heightened presence on the roadways, and more Crisp County deputies will be out patrolling the water.

“Crisp County Sheriff’s Office has a boat that we put out on the holidays, not as much for enforcement, but for helping our citizens and making sure that if someone breaks down and needs a tow, we can help. If it’s not out, it will be in the marina so we can easily access it,” he said.

The Crisp County Sheriff’s office will be on the lookout for those boating under the influence this weekend. Sheriff Hancock says it’s easy for boaters to lose track of how much alcohol they consume throughout the day, especially when sitting in the heat.

“If you’re not moving around, you’re not sweating, you’re not exercising, then you’re not dispursing that alcohol. So, it’s staying in your body. We’re not saying you’re drunk, but we’re saying that you are under the influence of alcohol to the point that you’re impaired, to the point where you can’t make decisions fast enough,” he said.

Sheriff Hancock says he will deem this a successful Labor Day weekend if there are no fatalities and minimal BUI arrests.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.