ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The unofficial start of summer is almost here, and state officials are urging people to be careful on the water.

Wednesday, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources emphasized just how deadly the water can be if you aren’t careful.

One of DNR’s key messages ahead of Memorial Day weekend is to wear a life jacket when you’re out on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard said in 2023, 90% of people who drowned on lakes and rivers were not wearing a life jacket.

This year, that unfortunately includes kayaker Dustin Valencia who was found dead in Lake Lanier on Friday, according to DNR.

RELATED: Body found in Lake Lanier identified as missing kayaker

“If you’re not a good swimmer, that water is not forgiving,” said Col. Mike England with Georgia DNR’s Law Enforcement Division.

He said those calls are not easy on anyone, so that is why they are once again telling people to keep their life jackets on, swim with a buddy and follow the boater laws.

Another key reminder - never drink and get behind the wheel of a boat. England said last year, they arrested 259 people for boating under the influence and have already 16 people doing it this year.

In 2024, he said they saw 57 drownings and 20 boating accidents. So far this year, that number is already sitting at 27 drownings and five boating accidents.

“With the water levels where they’re at, when the temperatures are hot and it’s sunny outside, people are going to get out and enjoy the water. That’s what we want them to do,” England said. “But we want them to understand what the rules and regulations are and if they have kids under 13, they have to wear that life jacket at all times in the boat. If you’re not a good swimmer, it’s okay to wear a life jacket all day long. You can still get a sun tan wearing a life jacket.”

England said any unsafe behavior will not be tolerated whether you’re at Lake Lanier or anywhere else in Georgia.

“Our game wardens will be out in full force this weekend and all summer long,” he said. “Our goal is simple: For everyone to enjoy Georgia’s waterways and to go home safely at the end of the day, and getting unsafe and irresponsible operators off the water is one of the best ways to make sure that happens.”

If you are caught drinking and operating a boat, they say there will be no warnings. You could face jail time, a hefty fine and lose your boating license.

Officials are asking both boaters and drivers on the road this weekend to avoid distracted driving and buckle up.

15 people were killed in vehicle crashes during the 2024 Memorial Day Holiday weekend in Georgia, according to the Department of Public Safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said half of the passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes in Georgia from 2019-2023 were not wearing seat belts.

“State troopers and officers will be out in full force patrolling interstates and state routes and local streets around Georgia, not just to write tickets, but to save lives,” said Lt. Col. Kendrick Lowe, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.

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