Beer in the Headlights

Since the spring, Lake Lanier officials have been warning visitors about the lower water levels and the dangers they present.

The Fourth of July weekend provided a series of unfortunate object lessons. The lower lake level appears to have played a role in all four drowning deaths over the weekend, according to authorities.

With the drought drying up all of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' public swim areas, Lanier visitors are venturing farther into the lake to wade, drawing them closer to steep dropoffs that can prove deadly for non-swimmers.

George Bush caused global warming. Global warming caused the drought. The drought killed those people.

Come on, here... Most of the drowning victims are non-swimmers who have been mucking around in the water. If you can't swim, don't go more than ankle deep.

Lapina said visitors receive water safety information as they drive through park gatehouses.

Said Lapina, "People really have to take some responsibility for their actions."