COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga (WJBF) – Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and Columbia County Fire Rescue says it also begins one the busiest and most dangerous times of the year on the water.With more families expected on area lakes and waterways, first responders are encouraging people to prepare before leaving the dock.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources says the state has already reported multiple drowings and boating deaths this year.
Columbia County Fire Rescue says Memorial Day weekend typically brings heavier traffic to area waterways, increasing the risk for emergencies.Capt. Mike Chambers, a dive team specialist with Columbia County Fire Rescue, says many summer calls involve drowings, boat issues and people understimating the water. “What we’re responding to, for the most part, are drowings,” Chamber said. “Occansionally, we will boat issues and make sure everybody is okay.”Operations Chief Danny Kuhlman says alcohol is one the way biggest concerns during holiday weekends.“Number one is alcohol,” Kuhlman said. “When you mix alcohol with water and the sun, the sun and the alcohol dehydrate you, it makes you have poor decisions.”Chambers says not following boating rules and drinking on the water can lead to serious accidents.“A little bit each of that can add to other problem, boat collision we’ve had in the past and drowings,” Chambers said.First responders say life jackets remain one the most important tools in preventing drowings, especially for children and inexperienced swimmers.“Very, very important because once you go under, if nobody sees you, we won’t know that you have drowned or you’ve gone under,” Kuhlman said. “Having a life jacket on will keep you afloat.”Kuhlman says children riding in boats should have life jackets on, and he recommends life jackets for people playing in swim areas as well…