When the lake water levels are lower than normal, the Corps of Engineers offers recommendations to help visitors and residents safely enjoy the lake. From the best way to move docks to advice about boating safety, here are ways that you can continue to use Lake Lanier and its resources this summer.
Docks
Many people move their docks out when the water levels drop. This is perfectly acceptable, provided you don’t block navigation by other boaters farther up in your cove and that you don’t “jump” over your neighbor’s docks and keep them from moving out as well.
Be mindful of adjacent docks and be considerate of your neighbors. While they may not move their docks at the same time you do, remember to leave enough space for them to extend their docks out as well.
When you move your dock, be sure to re-secure all lines and anchoring systems. Also, take care to secure loose electrical lines that could fall into the water and cause electrical shocks.
Typically, community docks are minimally impacted at water levels down to 1063. If you live in a neighborhood with a community dock, be aware that you may be asked to temporarily relocate your boat if your slip is closer to the shoreline. Slips farther out will be affected less.
Swimming and Shorelines
Be familiar with swim areas. As the lake level drops, underwater items, such as rocks, stumps and the like, are closer to the surface. To be safe, swim in designated areas only and stay within the floating swim lines. Do not dive into water, even if you think you know the depth.
Lower water levels expose more beach as well as the shallow areas between rock formations and partially submerged islands. Old Federal Day Use Park is an excellent example of this. When the lake is at full pool, rock formations are beneath the surface. As the water level drops, these are exposed and it can be very tempting to go exploring by walking out to these “new” places.
We strongly suggest that you treat these areas as off-limits for safety reasons. Although it seems that walking out onto these natural shallow areas is safe, the water on either side may still be deep. If you’re not a good swimmer or you’re caught by surprise when you slip into the deeper water, this can be a hazard.
If you’re going to swim always wear a flotation device.
Boating
Now more than ever, it’s wise to go slower on the lake. Shallow places are marked with the appropriate buoys, but when the lake drops below 1065, other formations may appear. It’s also possible to run aground in locations that previously were deep enough to navigate. Know the rules of the road when driving your boat and know and obey all buoys and markers then practice good judgment when boating; go slow, be alert and watch for shallow places.
A good sign that rocks lurk below the surface is the presence of white water. When the waves break in an area, it’s a good bet that the water is very shallow. Avoid cutting between islands. Remember that the islands in Lake Lanier were once hill tops and ridges.
A Plan in Place
When lake levels drop, the Corps of Engineers has a plan to identify hazards and to assist with lake usage. If you have questions, please contact our office at 770-945-9531.
In 2004, the US Army Corps of Engineers published a new Environmental Impact Statement and Shoreline Management Plan outlining their policies. The following Corps articles from Lakeside News are reprinted here with the kind permission of Lakeside Publishing.