The Hall County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol unit consists of (1) full-time Deputy and also utilizes manpower from the department's Reserve Deputy program. Operating on Lake Sydney Lanier, the sprawling 47,000 acre Corps of Engineers impoundment, the Marine Patrol Unit was formed with federal grant funding from the Department of Homeland Security at no cost to the taxpayers of the community.

This unit operates year-round conducting safety & enforcement patrols and also assists the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers with law enforcement and security of bridges and dams on Lake Lanier.



Water Safety Tips

This year with a full lake, we expect a high number of visitors and boaters to spend quality time with their families and friends enjoying the lake. Here a just a few tips to ensure your trip to Lake Lanier is safe and enjoyable.

Boaters should be aware of reef markers that no longer have any land mass around them to serve as a visual warning, but are still indicators of very shallow water. These markers are located throughout the lake and can be a navigational hazard to boaters who are not familiar with the area.

When swimming or wading from shore, use caution and be aware of sudden drop-offs that may have been created in some areas during the past drought.

Keep a close watch on your children, as they can get into a water hazard and panic, creating a water emergency that you need to be prepared for. Remember: children under the age of 10 must wear a life jacket on a vessel underway.

Always wear a life jacket if you cannot swim.

Please visit the links below for valuable water and boating safety information:

   Georgia DNR Boater Laws & Responsibilities
   National Water Safety Program
   U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center

Marine Patrol Contact
770.531.6889	610 Main Street SW Gainesville, GA 30501-4420 Driving Map