Weekly 5: Georgia drought expected to impact Lake Lanier boating
The BI Weekly 5 is a collection of tips, news and data affecting the boating industry this week. Be sure to look for the BI Weekly 5 every week on BoatingIndustry.com.
1. Georgia drought expected to impact Lake Lanier boating
A continuing drought in north Georgia is causing lower water levels in Lake Lanier, which could mean more ramp and dock closures, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported.
As of Sunday afternoon, Lake Lanier’s level was 1,063.42 feet, down about 4.3 inches from Monday, Oct. 10. A fall of one foot of water level, from 1,064 to 1,063 feet, will mean 14 fewer usable boat ramps and four fewer courtesy docks, and the Simpson, Robinson, Duckett Mill and Nix Bridge ramps will close, according to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report.
2. VIDEO: Minnesota man sets pumpkin paddling record
Rick Swenson of Fergus Falls, Minn., set an unofficial Guinness World Record when he rowed down a 26-mile stretch of the Red River last weekend, the Grand Forks Herald reported.
Swenson grows giant pumpkins for a variety of uses and had been growing his 1,086 pumpkin boat since March.
3. FLIBS ticket sales, hotel bookings strong
Early signs are pointing to stronger attendance for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, organizers told the Sun Sentinel.
“We’re doing really well on ticket sales,” Brett Keating told the paper. “When we look at where we were same time last year, we’re in a strong position so we’re looking to have a lot of people at the show this year.”
Last year’s show attracted 95,306 attendees, according to organizers
4. Louisiana boating fatalities up significantly
There have been 22 boating deaths in Louisiana through September, up from 13 in 2015, WWL radio reported. State officials said excessive speed and failure to wear life jackets were responsible for many of the deaths.
5. 8 ways to keep employees happy without a raise
What makes a happy employee, writes Ed Stych for the Business Journal.
Money certainly helps, but many studies have shown that as long as employees feel they are fairly paid, then there are many other factors that determine their workplace happiness and whether they will quit or not.
Read more on eight ways to keep employees happy without a raise.
