SPEAK OUT: Is It Safe on Lake Lanier?

Updated July 8

Unfortunately, it hasn't been hard lately to find bad news involving Lake Lanier, Atlanta's aquatic playground.

On June 18, a two-boat collision late at night left a Buford youth, 9, dead and his brother, 13, missing. A Cumming man has been charged with boating under the influence in connection with the case. (The missing youth was recovered by divers, and the youths' funeral was held July 3 in Suwanee.)

Do you feel safe on Lake Lanier now? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

And not long before that, , apparently due to a mistake by a boat operator.

who were being pulled by a boat. Reports say one of the youths was the stepson of superstar entertainer Usher. Both youths reportedly are in critical condition.

Of course, Lake Lanier and its resort areas are a weekend haven for Suwanee, Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta. Boating in particular is popular. And the July 4 holiday weekend is nearing, meaning use will be higher than ever then.

But do you feel safe on Lanier after all this? Should you and others go near the water? Will you alter your plans because of these recent incidents?

"I had seven grandchildren. I have five now," said businessman Mike Prince Sr., who was in Florida on business when his wife called to tell him about the fatal accident. His son, daughter-in-law and grandson Ryan are inconsolable, he told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

Should nighttime boating be banned? Should law enforcement and Department of Natural Resources officials enact new regulations to ensure visitor safety at Lanier?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Compiled by Steve Burns.

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