It's the Law: On the Water

Georgia Boating Safety Zones

The following areas are designated as “boating safety zones” and have special restrictions.

• It is unlawful to operate a powerboat between May 1 and September 30 within the areas of:
  • Jekyll Island, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high water mark on Jekyll Island Beach from the north end to the south end of the island
  • Tybee Island Beach, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high water mark on Tybee Island Beach from the north end to the south end of the island
  • St. Simons Island, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high water mark from the north end to the south end of the island
  • Sea Island, for a distance of 1,000 feet seaward from the high water mark from the north end to the south end of the island
• It is unlawful to operate any type of boat during any time of the year within the:
  • Marked boundary of any marked swimming area
  • Upstream or downstream area of any dam designated by the Commissioner (these areas will be marked with signs and/or buoys)
• It is unlawful to operate a boat with a motor in excess of 10 horsepower on the Ogeechee River from the bridge at Georgia Highway 119 upstream.
• It is unlawful to operate any boat with a marine toilet, galley, or sleeping quarters (including houseboats) on Bull Sluice Lake, Lake Burton, Goat Rock Lake, Lake Harding, Lake Jackson, North Highlands Lake, Lake Oconee, Lake Oliver, Lake Rabun, Seed Lake, Tallulah Falls Lake, Tugalo Lake, and Yonah Lake.