BUFORD, Ga. -
Georgia's Department of Natural Resources is teaming up with the Gwinnett Police Department in an effort to increase safety on Lake Lanier. The push comes just in time for a holiday weekend, and on the heels of a deadly boating accident that claimed two young lives on the lake.
On Thursday, the DNR and Gwinnett police held a joint press conference to announce their new initiative. They say they plan to join forces to increase their presence on the lake so that families and citizens can enjoy it safely.
Earlier this month, a horrific late-night boating accident left two young boys dead and three others hurt. The driver of the boat that hit them is facing boating under the influence charges, and authorities say the new initiative is aimed at catching more boaters who are impaired on the lake.
Gwinnett police officers will join DNR rangers on DNR boat patrols. It will begin on Saturday, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday. Officers will begin training with the DNR on Friday.
It was also announced that Governor Nathan Deal is making a move to lower the legal blood alcohol level of boaters to equal that of drivers.
