Melissa Nord

11Alive

Published: 12:46 PM EDT June 12, 2025

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — With summer in full swing, many Georgians are flocking to popular lakes across the state. Two of the most popular lakes close to the Atlanta area are Lake Lanier and Allatoona Lake. Both lakes serve as primary sources of recreation and drinking water, drawing millions of visitors each year.

But with boating, swimming, and camping activities on the rise, safety officials say one message is paramount: wear a life jacket.

“Wearing a life jacket saves lives,” said Victoria Clevenger, executive director of the Lake Lanier Association.

“Lake Lanier does have a dozen life jacket loaner stations around the lake … so if you are coming to the lake and you don’t have a proper fitting life jacket, you can pick one up.”

It is based on a use-and-return honors system.

Located about an hour northeast of Atlanta, Lake Lanier sees over 12 million annual visitors and has more than 600 miles of shoreline. The lake supplies drinking water to several metro counties, including Gwinnett and Forsyth.

Clevenger said maintaining safety on the water is critical. In Georgia, a boater education course is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1998, who operates a motorized vessel on state waters. She also emphasized checking weather conditions before heading out.

“If you’re not checking the weather before you hit the lake, make that a part of your normal routine,” she said. “Know what’s ahead.”

Clevenger recommends bringing extra life jackets, a flare, a whistle, and an emergency radio to be prepared for the unexpected.

Christopher Purvis, lead ranger with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Allatoona Lake, echoed those concerns. Located in Cherokee, Bartow, and Cobb counties, Allatoona Lake draws between 6.5 and 6.7 million visitors annually.

“I can’t express more well the need to have a life jacket on. We just had a fatality last weekend, and most likely a life jacket would have made a difference if one had been worn,” Purvis said.

The official saying from the Army Corps of Engineers is “Life Jacket Worn, Nobody Mourns.” The campaign is promoted every summer across the country.

Purvis said there are numerous facilities throughout the lake, including public beaches and campgrounds, where visitors can enjoy swimming.

Purvis advised boaters to seek shelter immediately in the event of thunderstorms. “Get out of the water if you’re on the beaches and don’t go under the trees. Go back to your cars or find another area of shelter in the case of thunderstorms,” he added.

Purvis also highlighted the lake’s importance in flood control and hydroelectric power, noting that Allatoona Dam has played a key role since the 1940s.

They’re always keeping close watch on rainfall to ensure the dam is maintained at proper levels.

“Our regional office in Mobile are evaluating what the rainfall coming in and if we need to release water, if we need to hold water,” added Purvis.

Every few years, the Army Corps of Engineers, along with surrounding emergency managers and county officials, gather for training drills that simulate a significant rainfall event. “We know what we’re doing but also we wanna make sure that the counties and the cities and other officials are also know what’s going on as well,” Purvis added, “Communication is key.”

Both officials stressed that education, preparation, and respect for the environment are crucial to maintaining Georgia’s lakes for future generations.

Clevenger urged visitors to “pack in, pack out” to reduce litter, and warned against swimming in shallow areas after rainfall due to potential runoff. Algal blooms, especially in the fall, can pose additional health risks.

You can watch both interviews on ‘Weather Impact 24/7′, only on 11Alive+.