Hazardous Areas & Boating Safety

Hazardous Areas

Certain areas have been designated and marked as "hazardous areas" because of conditions which create a threat to the safety and welfare of boaters who may operate in such areas. When operating within a "hazardous area", all passengers in a boat must wear a U. S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device, properly fitted and fastened.

Georgia Boating Safety Zones

The following areas are designated as boating safety zones. It is unlawful to operate a powerboat between May 1st and September 30th within the area of:

• Jekyll Island, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high watermark on Jekyll beach from the north end of the island to the south end
• Tybee Island Beach, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the highwater mark on Tybee Island beach from the north end to the south end of the beach
• St. Simons Island, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the highwater mark from the north end to the south end of the island
• Sea Island, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high water mark from the north end to the south end of Sea Island

It is unlawful to operate any type of boat any time of the year within:

• The marked boundary of any marked swimming area
• The upstream or downstream area of any dam designated by the Commissioner. These areas will be marked with signs and/or buoys

It is unlawful to operate a boat with a motor in excess of 10 horsepower on the Ogeechee River from the bridge at Georgia Highway 119 upstream.

It is unlawful to operate any boat with a marine toilet, galley or sleeping quarters (including houseboats) on Lake Burton, Bull Sluice Lake, Goat Rock Lake, Lake Harding, Lake Jackson, North Highlands Lake, Lake Oliver, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake, Tallulah Falls Lake, Tugalo Lake, Lake Oconee and Yonah Lake.

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