Officers from Gwinnett PD to Join Rangers on Patrol at Lake Lanier

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday it will team up with Gwinnett Police Department to maxim maximize resources and coverage of Lake Lanier.

In a press release, the DNR, Wildlife Resources Division in Social Circle, said the two agencies would be launching a Boating Safety Initiative designed to increase a law enforcement presence on the lake and help address issues such as Boating Under the Influence.

This comes on the days ago on The body of 13-year-old Griffin Prince was only located on Wednesday. His brother, Jake, died on June 18 when the pontoon boat they were riding in was hit by a boat driven by Paul Bennett, 44, of Cumming. Bennett was charged with BUI and could face additional charges.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division and Gwinnett County Police Department are launching a Boating Safety Initiative, which will increase law enforcement presence on the lake and help address issues such as BUI.

"With limited budgets and personnel numbers, our two agencies have created an innovative way to increase the number of patrol boats and law enforcement officers on Lake Lanier," said Col. Eddie Henderson, Georgia DNR. "Police officers will be paired with rangers in DNR patrol boats. This will allow us to put more boats on the water year-round for high-traffic weekends, holidays and special events."

Officials said that currently the DNR is able to staff two to three patrol boats with four to six rangers during high-traffic weekends. Starting this Saturday, Lake Lanier will now have up to five boats patrolling with 10 law enforcement professionals. This additional enforcement will be in time for the busy Fourth of July holiday week.

"Lake Lanier draws 7.5 million visitors annually, including many from Gwinnett County," said Chief Charles Walter with Gwinnett County PD. "The Boating Safety Initiative will allow us to efficiently and effectively team up with the DNR to enforce safety and protect our citizens."

Gwinnett officers will undergo intensive training by the DNR on Friday, including instruction in boating safety, vessel laws, boat inspections, water safety, BUI enforcement, boat registration, water rescue and boat safety checks. According to the DNR, its patrol boats will be used for the initiative to save Gwinnett County the expense of having to invest in additional vessels.

 "This partnership is one piece of the puzzle," Henderson said. "Boating safety requires a multi-faceted approach. From the law enforcement side, we are pleased to have such strong partners with us."

Gwinnett's District 4 Commissioner John Heard said, "I commend the DNR and our Police Department for working together to patrol Lake Lanier. The increased presence of officers will remind residents to practice boating safety while enjoying the lake."

The DNR and Gwinnett County will host a press conference at 5 p.m. Thursday at Lake Lanier, in East Bank Park, near Buford Dam Road and Suwanee Dam Road, Buford. Officials will discuss the details of the partnership and answer questions.

For more information on boating, visit goboatgeorgia.com/boating.