Labor Day

The July Fourth weekend resulted in four deaths on the state’s lakes and rivers: Three people drowned while swimming and a fourth man died after jumping into Lake Lanier from a moving boat, the DNR said. Twenty-nine others were cited for boating under the influence, including nine on Lanier.

DNR game wardens will be out in full force for the holiday weekend, working to keep revelers safe, McKinnon said. Important laws to remember on the water include life jackets for those under 13, staying at least 100 feet away from others, and not operating a boat under the influence, he said.

“We can’t afford to leave someone out there that’s impaired,” McKinnon said.

Troopers will also be on the lookout for impaired and distracted drivers on Georgia roads.

“Troopers and Motor Carrier Officers will be on patrol in full force for the upcoming 78-hour Labor Day holiday travel period, focusing their attention on speeders, unrestrained occupants, as well as distracted and impaired drivers,” said Col. Gary Vowell, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety. “We are dealing with unprecedented times within our state where the norm is not normal anymore, but the safety of our residents and visitors will always remain our top priority.”

In 2019, nine people died in crashes on Georgia roads over the Labor Day weekend, according to the State Patrol. Troopers investigated 523 crashes that injured 288 people, and troopers arrested 244 for driving under the influence. More than 600 drivers were cited for using their cellphones while behind the wheel, the State Patrol said. Other law enforcement agencies around the state were also busy.

Crashes on Georgia roads killed 13 people over the Fourth of July weekend this year, a 50% drop from 26 killed during that holiday stretch in 2019, when Independence Day fell on a Thursday and people had a longer break, according to the State Patrol. Over this year’s Memorial Day weekend, crashes killed 15 people on Georgia roads, down slightly from 2019.

Safety should be a priority even for folks not traveling during the weekend, says the American Red Cross. Stay hydrated when outside during the hottest part of the day. And remember: Small kiddie pools are still big enough for drownings, the Red Cross warns.