An official website of the State of Georgia.
Posted Dec. 29, 2025
Coastlines Georgia | April 2025 | Vol. 8, Iss. 1
By Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer, CRD
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, Georgia’s coast transforms into a playground for boaters, anglers, kayakers, and beachgoers. Our estuaries, tidal rivers, and offshore waters invite exploration, adventure, and relaxation—but with the joys of summer on the water come important responsibilities.
Boating and water safety are essential for protecting lives, conserving resources, and ensuring everyone enjoys a safe and memorable experience. Whether you’re captaining a center console offshore or paddling a kayak through a winding salt marsh creek, preparation and awareness are your best tools.
Each year, Georgia reports dozens of boating incidents—many of which are preventable. A majority involve inattention, excessive speed, impairment, or the absence of life jackets. The simple act of wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket can make all the difference. It’s not just good sense—it’s the law for children under 13 and a smart habit for everyone on board.
Checking the weather forecast, understanding tides and currents, filing a float plan, and avoiding alcohol while operating a vessel are all critical steps to a safe day on the water. Equally important is knowing the “rules of the road” on the water—navigational rules that help prevent collisions and confusion.
Georgia’s estuaries can be deceptively complex. Rapidly shifting shoals, strong tidal currents, and sudden storms mean boaters must be especially vigilant. Navigation charts, GPS systems, and local knowledge can help you avoid trouble and respect sensitive habitats.
Important to remember, in Georgia, boat operation laws vary by age group. Children under 12 may only operate non-motorized or small motor vessels under 16 feet when supervised by a competent adult. Those aged 12–15 can operate vessels under 16 feet with a boating education certificate or adult supervision, while individuals 16 and older may operate any vessel with proper ID—and if born after January 1, 1998, must also have completed a DNR-approved boater education course. Learn how to take a course at GaDNRLE.org/Boating-Education or call 912-264-7218.
DNR staff regularly encounter boaters near shellfish beds, research zones, or protected shorelines. Respecting posted signs and slow-speed zones helps protect wildlife, fragile ecosystems, and fellow water users.
Safe boating isn’t just about equipment—it’s about mindset. A commitment to safety protects your loved ones, fellow boaters, and the incredible natural beauty we’re all here to enjoy.
As you get ready for your next coastal adventure, take a few extra minutes to prepare. It could save a life—and ensure the Georgia coast remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
