New Channel Markers Signal One of Many Safe Boating Efforts by Lake Lanier Islands Resort®

Buford, GA, July 30, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Guests to the popular Georgia lakeside destination - Lake Lanier Islands Resort® - will notice a new addition to the pristine waters that surround the sandy white beaches of Sunset Cove. Currently bobbing off the shore are red and green channel markers, designed to aid in navigation through the busy harbor and signaling one of many safe boating efforts in place at Lake Lanier Islands Resort.

“The combined safety and enjoyment of our guests is and always will be our number one concern,” explained Lake Lanier Islands Management Company’s Chief Operations Officer, Grier Todd. “While Islands’ management and staff were all deeply saddened by the tragedies that have occurred elsewhere on Lake Lanier this summer, plans have been in the works to maximize the protection of Resort visitors ever since Sunset Cove was first conceived. We always strive to ensure a fun and safe environment here at the Islands.”

Sunset Cove – an inlet on the water’s edge of the 1,500 acre resort – first debuted during Summer 2010 with the opening of a beach café and club. The above-and-beyond positive response from Lake Lanier Islands’ guests and boaters alike spurred the additions of boat slips, beach volleyball courts, fire pits, regularly scheduled events, and a floating stage for live concerts in the years since the unique venue’s premiere. This summer’s addition of the channel markers was initially discussed in meetings between the resort’s managing company and the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority (LLIDA) during Sunset Cove’s first year of operation.

“The markers are an effort to assist the boating public in accessing the cove in a more organized fashion, while providing improved entry to the cove by first responders in case of an emergency,” said Bill Donohue, LLIDA’s Executive Director. “LLIDA is committed to supporting our long term lease partner, LLIMC, in providing safe access and use of all the facilities at Lake Lanier Islands.”

A navigational phrase Lake Lanier boaters might want to commit to memory is “Red, Right, Returning.” Red channel markers should be kept to the right as boaters leave Sunset Cove to “return” to the main channel of the lake, and green channel markers should be kept to the right when entering the Cove.

In light of tragic accidents that have claimed the lives of three boys in recent weeks on Lake Sidney Lanier, concerns over boating safety are at an all time high in the tight-knit Georgia community. According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s “Recreational Boating Statistics 2011,” many boating incidents can be attributed to speed, alcohol use, inexperience, and ignorance of boating “rules of the road.” Lake Lanier Islands combats these issues with staff trained to rigorously enforce the alcohol laws of the State of Georgia requiring identification for age, in addition to refusing service to intoxicated persons; the promotion of boating safety at the resort’s marina, Harbor Landing; the presence of the Islands’ own security force combined with officers from Hall County Sheriff’s Department; and the addition of boat parking slips that line both Sunset Cove and the Islands’ Big Beach to protect swimmers. Working in conjunction with the Lake Lanier Association and Hall County’s Lake Lanier safety panel, future proposed initiatives at Lake Lanier Islands Resort include a boater safety promotional campaign, “designated boat driver” program featuring complimentary cola products, boater safety education program, and more.

“We appreciate the fact that Lake Lanier Islands Resort and the LLIDA are addressing the issue of overall boating safety,” said State Boating Law Administrator for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Weaver. “The more efforts made to make Lake Sidney Lanier a safe boating environment, the better. Of course, responsibility also lies with the boaters. Georgia DNR encourages boaters to boat responsibly, take a boating course so that they understand the ‘rules of the road’, boat sober, and always wear a life jacket.”

Visit http://www.goboatgeorgia.com/boating to view the DNR's Handbook of Georgia Boating Laws & Responsibilities, find a Boating Safety course near you, review safety tips, and more. Concerned citizens who have additional suggestions for boating safety measures at Lake Lanier Islands Resort are encouraged to share their thoughts via e-mail to boatsafe@lakelanierislands.com.

About Lake Lanier Islands Resort®: Nestled on the southern-most shoreline of Lake Sidney Lanier at the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains lies the truly distinctive Lake Lanier Islands Resort®. Situated less than 45 miles from downtown Atlanta on 1,500 pristine acres of forests, meadows and beaches, this luxury resort is quickly growing in size, scope and reputation as one of the Southeast’s leading lakeside retreats. For more information, schedule a tee time, learn package details or make reservations, call (770) 945-8787 or visit Lake Lanier Islands’ website at http://www.lakelanierislands.com.