Advantage Boat Center

Georgia Code Section 52-7-8.3 sets 16 as the minimum age to rent a vessel of 10 horsepower or more; the PWC rental minimum is 16. Unsupervised operation starts at 12, only on vessels under 16 feet, including PWCs, after passing a DNR-approved boating education course.

Under 12, a person may operate only a vessel under 16 feet that is nonmotorized or powered by 30 horsepower or less, with a competent adult age 18 or older who is not under the influence and carries proper identification; PWC operation is prohibited. Operators 16 or older born after January 1, 1998, must pass an approved course to operate any vessel and carry the card. Rental operators set their own minimum; confirm when booking.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (georgiawildlife.com)

Georgia does not require a boating license, but people born on or after January 1, 1998, must complete Georgia Department of Natural Resources approved boater education and carry the card when operating a motorized vessel, including a personal watercraft. Children under 12 cannot operate a PWC or boat 16 feet or longer; those 12 to 15 may operate boats under 16 feet, including PWCs, with approved education or a competent adult.

Rentals of 10 horsepower or more require operators to be at least 16. The rental’s approved course issues a certificate valid statewide for six months. Rental course exemptions include Coast Guard masters, valid DNR approved cardholders, and qualifying nonresidents with NASBLA approved proof; the general rule also exempts private lake or pond operation.

Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources (georgiawildlife.com)

Boating from Cumming centers on Lake Lanier, the Buford Dam reservoir on the Chattahoochee River that is also fed by the Chestatee River. Mary Alice Park provides access to the lake’s southern basin. Six Mile Creek Park puts you into a narrower creek arm, while Young Deer Creek Park offers another creek-arm start before you reach broader lake water. Charleston Park launches into the Six Mile Creek area near Two Mile Creek, with access toward the main lake. All four are Cumming-area lake parks with boat-launch access.

Source: Forsyth County Parks & Recreation (forsythco.com)

From Cumming, boaters can make four distinct Lake Lanier day trips: Three Sisters Island for natural beaches and undeveloped shoreline; Lake Lanier Olympic Park for its public beach, picnic areas and courtesy dock; Lanier Point Park for its island, covered bridge and trails; and Longwood Park for a courtesy dock, fishing pier and lakeside walking trails. Three Sisters is accessible only by boat, while the Gainesville parks offer convenient places to pause for a picnic, fishing or a walk before heading back across the lake.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (gainesville.org)