Extracted from the Summer Kickoff 2026 Newsletter

Solar Lights


Lake Lanier Association’s spring survey identified approximately 75 solar navigation lights that are currently inoperative. While we would certainly like that number to be lower, it also means that roughly 225 of the lake’s 300 solar lights – about 75% – are continuing to operate as designed and provide valuable guidance to night-time boaters.

The association has replacement lights in inventory, and our contractor is prepared to begin repairs. However, unusually low lake levels have created significant challenges for many of the needed replacements. In some locations, water levels have dropped so dramatically that light poles now stand as much as 20 feet above the water’s surface. Because the lights must be installed from the top of the poles, many repairs simply cannot be completed safely or efficiently. While some lights are being repaired currently, full refurbishment is not possible until water levels rise.

There is, however, one unintended benefit to the current conditions. The lower lake levels have exposed numerous shoals, rock ledges, stumps, and other hazards that are typically submerged. While these hazards remain a concern, their visibility provides boaters with a unique opportunity to identify and become familiar with areas that may present navigation challenges when normal lake levels return.

As we move into the busy summer boating season, we encourage everyone to exercise extra caution on the water. Lower lake levels can change familiar navigation routes and create conditions that require additional attention and prudence.

Safety remains one of our highest priorities. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and will replace inoperative solar lights as quickly as possible once water levels allow safe access for installation crews.

Life Jacket Loaner Stations

LLA’s Life Jacket Loaner Stations are open for the 2026 season! Heading to the lake but forgot your life jacket? Stop by a Life Jacket Loaner Station and borrow one. Life jackets are available in infant, child, youth, and adult sizes. Please use and return!

Special thanks to our volunteers who help LLA monitor these stations on a weekly basis during peak lake season:

  • Charleston Park – Al Petrangeli
  • Lake Lanier Olympic Park – Danny Smith
  • Laurel Park – Danny Smith
  • Mary Alice Park Beach (4 stations at this location) – Doug Meredith
  • River Forks Park – Teresa and Bert Stanfield
  • Shady Grove – Rhae Asper
  • Shoal Creek Campground – Bonny Putney
  • Wahoo Creek Park – Danny Smith
  • Young Deer Park – Rhae Asper

LLA Life Jacket Donation

In response to the disbanding of Friends of Lake Lanier, the Lake Lanier Association donated 150 life jackets to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support its Life Jacket Loaner Station program. The donated life jackets will be distributed among loaner stations at 36 USACE parks around the lake, seperate from LLA’s 12 stations and helping visitors stay safe while enjoying the water. As a result, every Lake Lanier park with a swim beach will now have life jacket coverage.

Call for Donations: Infant Life Jackets

The LLA is launching an Infant Life Jacket Drive with the goal of collecting 70 new U.S. Coast Guard-approved infant life jackets by June 30th. These life jackets will help fill a critical need for properly fitting flotation devices for our youngest lake visitors. Just one donated infant life jacket can help protect countless children throughout the boating season as families borrow and return courtesy life jackets from any of our 12 loaner stations located around the lake. In addition, we hope to donate a portion of the infant life jackets collected to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for use at their life jacket loaner stations, extending the reach of this important safety program throughout the Lake Lanier community.

Collection Bin Locations:

  • LLA Office
  • Milton Martin Honda
  • WaterSports Central
  • Lennys Grill & Subs (Cumming)
  • City of Dawsonville
  • Dawson County Parks & Rec