Safety guide

By Pamela A. Keene

Lake Lanier Association Executive Director Jennifer Flowers will be departing the lake advocacy organization at the end of April, but she leaves big shoes to fill. Just shy of three years ago in July 2019, she became executive director, leading the LLA through the challenging times of the pandemic, while still increasing member and community engagement through webinars and Zoom meetings.

She has grown the organization’s social media, communications, media and public presence and helped guide other initiatives, including Abandoned Docks and Boats, safety awareness, See Something Say Something, and the consistent increase in the success of Shore Sweep, the group’s signature event. “During her time as executive director, LLA has seen growth in both revenue and membership,” said John Barker, president of the LLA. “These increases have allowed us to further invest in programs to keep the lake Clean, Full, Safe. Her work in cooperation with the Board of Directors has helped bring expanded value for our members who regularly enjoy the lake.”

One of the most popular programs, “Ask The Corps,” brought the public directly in touch with Corps of Engineers leadership in several Zoom sessions.

“Jennifer has brought a lot of ideas to the table when discussing how the Corps and LLA can best utilize our partnership,” said Tim Rainey, operations project manager for the US Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Lanier. “She always maintained a professional relationship even when keeping pressure on us to get things done or when asking the hard questions, maintaining an open mind to see the big picture. Even then, she could sort through the extraneous stuff and look for solutions or opportunities. She has been great to work with and we wish her well.”

Flowers said she has enjoyed her work with the community as well as getting to know so many advocates and supporters of Lanier.

“This is truly a time of mixed emotions for me,” said Flowers, who will become Manager of Leadership Development Programming and Member Relations

with the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the members, as well as leadership and constituents to help protect Lake Lanier and its assets. I am eager to see how the LLA will continue to grow in its mission.” Barker summed it up: “We are sad and disappointed to lose our Executive Director but excited for Flowers Jennifer as she pursues her passion,” Barker said. “We will miss her greatly.” The association is accepting applications; the job posting is on the group’s website at www.lakelanier.org.

A GUIDE TO BOATING AND SWIMMING SAFETY RESOURCES PRESENTED BY LAKESIDE ON LANIER

Boater Education Courses with Certification Exam

Basics of Boating - America's Boating Course

• Course: Meets Georgia DNR and NASBLA requirements for boater and PWC certification; covers boat handling, safety equipment/procedures, rules of the road, boat types/terminology. • Instructors: America’s Boating Club – Atlanta (formerly Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron) • When: 3-session classes begin on Wednesday: May 4, June 1, June 29, August 3 • Cost: $25 per student; plus optional course textbook $28 • Information/registration: americasboatingclubatlanta.org/ or Email - ABC@usps-atlanta.org

Boating Safely & Personal Watercraft Certification - USCGA

• Course: NASBLA certified entry level classroom-only course with test for boater education and PWC certification. Covers basic boating terminology, “rules of the road,” navigation, operation, legal requirements, emergencies, water etiquette and more. • Instructors: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers • Minimum age: 12 • When: 9 am - 5 pm; April 9, May 14, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 24, October 15 • Where: U.S. Coast Guard Flotilla 29, 6595 Lights Ferry Rd., Flowery Branch • Cost: Individuals $35 • Private lessons also available for groups or organizations outside normal schedule by calling Flotilla Commander Chuck Kelemen, 770-714-0888. • Information/registration: Perry Hidalgo, uscgaux29@gmail.com, 470-310-3336; http://wow.uscgaux.info/peclass.php?unit=070-02-09

On-Line Courses • www.boat-ed.com and http://www.boaterexam.com/usa/georgia include study guide and Georgia Certification Exam with unlimited exam attempts; cost is $29.50 payable upon exam passage. Temporary certificate printed upon passage; permanent card mailed. • http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/Georgia.asp offers free course, exam and print your own certificate; mailed certificate $5. • Other certification courses offered at www.boatcourse.com, www.boatingbasicsonline.com, and www.pwcsafetyschool.com.

Other Boater Education Opportunities (Certification exam not included)

• Professional Tutoring: Captain’s Training, on-line or in person tutoring designed to prepare individuals for exams required for certification and licensure for maritime jobs by instructor Steve Johnson, retired US Coast Guard, experienced ship navigator, deck officer, and USCG license instructor for Sea School. www.navteach.com, stevejohnson@navteach.com, 770-3120989.

• Advanced Boating Classes in piloting, marine communications, and other boating skills offered periodically by the Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron. www.atlantasboatingclub.com. Vessel Safety Checks • Atlanta Sail and Power Squadron offers vessel safety check-ups by appointment. http://atlantasboatingclub.com/vessel-safety-check/vessel-safety-check-signup. • Vessel Safety Checks by appointment: Both U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons offer vessel safety check-ups at your boat by appointment. www.safetyseal.net.

Sailing Classes • Windsong Sailing Academy: Basic and advanced sailing training and certifications including engine maintenance, marine electrical systems, coastal and celestial navigation as well as marine meteorology offered by Windsong Sailing Academy through the DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Service. Public and private week evening and weekend classes available. Fees vary.  www.WindsongSail.com. (770) 967-1515.

Frances Meadows Aquatics and Community Center

• Location: 1545 Community Way, Gainesville. • Information/registration: (770) 533-5850, www.gainesville.org/swim-lessons • Lessons: Swimming and water safety program for all ages and levels, age 6 months to masters, basic aquatics safety to skill proficiency for competitive swimmers, lifeguard training. • Splash Aquatic Club: Competitive swimming groups for Rookie (age 4) through Masters (age 18 and older to improve fitness, develop better technique, or train for competition.

Cumming Aquatic Center

• Location: 201 Aquatic Circle, Cumming • Information/registration: (770) 781-1781 www.cummingaquaticcenter.com (register online) • Lessons: Swimming and water safety program ranges from toddler-age in Parent Child Aquatics Program to teens and adults in Learn to Swim and Adult Aquatics Program. Private or semiprivate lessons available. Fees and schedules vary. Competitive swimming and diving programs, Masters Swim Team also available. Lifeguard certification offered. Brenau University

• Location: Brenau Fitness Center, 500 Washington St., SE, Gainesville • Information/registration: www.brenautigers.com, Blaire Bachman, (770) 534-6279, bbachman@brenau.edu. • Lessons: Custom private swim lessons for all ages and abilities. Brenau Masters Swim Team offers practice and competitive program for swimmers of all levels, high school age and older.

University of North Georgia Gainesville Campus

• Location: 3820 Mundy Mill Rd., Oakwood • Information/registration: https://ce.ung.edu/wconnect/ace/, (678) 717-2377 • Swim lessons: For ages 3 (must be potty trained) and older range from introduction to water skills to swimming and skill proficiency. Check website for dates.

Georgia Mountain YMCA

• Location: 2455 Howard Rd., Gainesville • Information/registration: http://www.hallcountyymca.org/jawalters/programs/youth-swimming-lessons/, 770-297-9622 • Swim lessons: For all ages and levels, parent-child swim, Masters Swim Program, water fitness, water safety, life guard certification. Fees and times vary.