To thousands of boaters, the Labor Day Holiday weekend signals the unofficial end of summer and many will celebrate on the water one last time before fall arrives. This year in Georgia there has been 113 boating incidents, 14 boating incident related fatalities and 44 drownings, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). WRD Conservation Rangers also have issued 162 boating under the influence (BUI) citations. All boaters are reminded that many accidents and fatalities could be avoided if safety tips are reviewed and followed over the course of the holiday weekend.

"Holiday weekends often mean increased use of public waterways and that means an increased need for safety awareness from all boaters," says Col. Terry West, Chief of Law Enforcement. "As always, Conservation Rangers will continue to strictly enforce all boating laws in an effort to keep everyone safe on the water, but we also encourage people to pay extra attention to others on the water."

Following are boating and water safety tips to remember while enjoying the holiday:

There are no "driving lanes" on the water, so boat operators need to be educated on the "Rules of the Road" and be aware of all other boat traffic in the area.

Wear your life jacket. Nine out of 10 drowning victims did not. Children under 10 years of age are required by law to wear a life jacket while on board a moving boat (unless child is in a fully enclosed cabin).

Don't drink and operate a boat. Half of all boating fatalities involve alcohol. The boat's movement, vibration, noise, sun, glare and wind often produce "boater's hypnosis," so alcohol can affect people much more rapidly on the water. Make sure someone refrains from drinking alcohol so they can safely operate the boat.

Always use navigation lights at all times on the water at night, whether the boat is moving or anchored. Do not wait until dark to turn your lights on to see if they are functioning properly.

Don't overload your boat with people or equipment. Check the capacity plate on the boat that indicates the maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people that the boat can safely carry.

Brush up on your boating safety knowledge. Take a boating safety course. There are three easy ways for boat operators to take a course in Georgia in a classroom, on the Internet at www.boat-ed.com, or through a home study course that can be ordered either on the Internet at www.boat-ed.com or by calling 1800-460-9698.

Safety is an issue for Everyone on the water. WRD offers the following tips for those who use personal watercraft (PWC) or jet skis:

Watch your speed and don't jump wakes. The 100-foot law prohibits people from operating ALL vessels, including PWC's, at a speed greater than idle speed within 100 feet of any vessel that is moored, anchored, or adrift outside normal traffic channels, or within 100 feet of any dock, wharf, pier, piling, bridge structure, person in the water, or shoreline adjacent to a fulltime or part-time residence, public park, public beach, public swimming area, marina, restaurant or other public use area. Jumping the wake of another boat within 100 feet also is illegal. This means that it is illegal, in addition to being dangerous, to splash swimmers, other PWCs, boats, etc.

Know your vessel! Can you steer a PWC with the engine off? What happens to the PWC if you are thrown from the vessel? Do you know how to properly reboard a PWC if it is overturned? Be sure you know the answer to questions like these before you get on a PWC.

Keep a sharp lookout and make sure you stay well clear of other craft.

Know Georgia's age requirements for PWC operation and don't lend your PWC to anyone underage.

Make sure everyone who operates your PWC is aware of safe boating rules. As the owner, you could be held responsible.

For more information on boating safety, contact a WRD Law Enforcement Office or visit the WRD website at www.goboatgeorigia.com.