Minimum age requirements

have been established for boat operators under the age of

16, depending on the age of the boat operator and size of

the vessel.

All vessels, including

personal watercraft, may not operate in excess of idle

speed within 100 feet of any vessel which is moored,

anchored, or adrift outside normal traffic channels, or

any wharf, dock, pier, piling, bridge structure or

abutment, person in the water, or shoreline adjacent to a

full-time or part-time residence, public park, public

beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant, or other

public use area.

It is illegal to jump the

wake of another boat within 100 feet and to buzz other

boats. A vessel can no longer operate around or within

100 feet of another vessel faster than idle speed unless

it is overtaking or meeting the other vessel in

compliance with the rules of the road for boat operation.

Boat operators cannot follow closely behind another

vessel or change or reverse their course of direction in

order to ride or jump in the wake of another vessel.

Boat operators age 16 or

older must have identification on board. A clear

photocopy of identification, such as a driver's license,

showing a photograph of the person and his or her date of

birth is acceptable.

"We want boaters to

enjoy their time on the water, but we want them to be

safe," says Brown. "WRD Conservation Rangers

will be out in force during the Fourth of July holiday,

and they will be strictly enforcing all boating

laws."

In addition, WRD reminds

boaters that Georgia law requires all boats, regardless

of length, be equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved

life jacket for each person on board. All boats 16 feet

in length and longer, except kayaks and canoes, also must

carry one throwable floatation device. Children under age

10 must wear a life jacket, which is properly fitted and

fastened, at all times the boat is moving.

Adults are not required to

wear a life jacket, but life jackets must be present and

easily accessible for each person on the boat. These laws

apply only to public waters, not to private ponds or

lakes, but WRD recommends using life jackets at all times

when on any body of water.

For more information on

boating safety, contact the local WRD Law Enforcement

Section or call (770) 918-6408.