WaterSports Central – Buford

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)

From Buford, the main boating choice is Lake Sidney Lanier, the reservoir behind Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River and also fed by the Chestatee River. East Bank launches beside the dam end, close to the lake’s deepest, broad open water. Shoal Creek Day Use puts you into a narrower creek arm with more enclosed water before you reach the main lake. Burton Mill is another cove launch suited to a gentler start. Van Pugh North opens onto broader main-lake water. The Corps navigation map marks all four ramps and cautions boaters to watch for shallow water and submerged hazards.

Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District (sam.usace.army.mil)

From Buford, boaters make Lake Lanier day trips to Three Sisters Island, Lanier Park, Van Pugh North Day Use Park and Lake Lanier Olympic Park. Three Sisters is accessible only by boat and offers natural beaches along undeveloped shoreline; Lanier Park pairs a swimming beach with picnic facilities; Van Pugh North has a beach, boat ramp and picnic shelter; and the Olympic Park offers a courtesy dock, public beach and shaded picnic areas at the site used for the 1996 rowing and canoe and kayak events.

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