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Community Corner

Channel Markers Installed at Lake Lanier Islands

New red and green channel markers are designed to aid in navigation through the busy harbor.

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

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

“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.

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were tragically killed when when the pontoon boat on which they were riding was struck by another boat.  In July, Atlanta youth and son of entertainment superstar Usher, and later died after being hit by a jet ski driven by a family friend.

The news release states that Lake Lanier boaters may want to memorize the navigational phrase “Red, Right, Returning” because the 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.

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“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.”

Boaters may view the Georgia DNR's Handbook of Georgia Boating Laws and Responsibilities or find a nearby boating safety course by visiting the DNR website.

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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