20 BUIs, 4 boating accidents over Memorial Day Weekend in Georgia
Lake Lanier. FOX 5 Atlanta photo
ATLANTA - Georgia law enforcement agencies responded to a busy Memorial Day weekend on the water, with boating under the influence (BUI) arrests and several serious incidents reported statewide. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has released the full boating activity report for the 2025 holiday weekend, covering the period from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, May 24, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 26.
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By the numbers:
In total, 20 BUI arrests were made over the three-day period. Game wardens also responded to four boating incidents, including one injury. The breakdown of BUI arrests by region is as follows:
- Region 1 (Acworth): 5 BUIs
- Region 2 (Gainesville): 3 BUIs
- Region 3 (Thomson): 2 BUIs
- Region 4 (Metter): 5 BUIs
- Region 5 (Albany): 2 BUIs
- Region 6 (Brunswick): 3 BUIs
Incident Summaries
Region 1 (Acworth): Around 8:40 p.m. on May 25, a cabin cruiser operator returning to Harbor Town Marina on Allatoona Lake during a thunderstorm struck a dock and another vessel. Authorities determined the driver was under the influence. He was arrested for BUI and taken to the Cherokee County Jail.
Region 2 (Gainesville): At approximately 3:15 p.m. on May 24, a personal watercraft (PWC) carrying three riders hit a wake in Lightwood Log Creek on Lake Hartwell. All three were ejected. One female passenger sustained an ankle injury and was taken to a hospital in Anderson, South Carolina.
Region 4 (Metter): Around 8 p.m. on May 24, game wardens patrolling the Savannah River discovered debris from a sunken vessel. They later located the operator, who had fallen into the water while attempting to trailer the boat. He managed to stop the engine, but the vessel sank. The man swam to shore and was arrested for BUI.
Region 6 (Brunswick): Just after 11 p.m. on May 24, a dual-console jet drive boat ran over the Jekyll Jetties and came to rest approximately 20 yards into a marsh on an oyster bed. All four passengers were accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
What's next:
As summer boating season kicks off, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is expected to maintain a heightened presence on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters to curb impaired operation and prevent injuries.