ATLANTA, May 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer boating and outdoor season, Georgia Power is inviting Georgians to visit its large network of lakes, parks and other recreation facilities across the state. The largest non-government provider of recreation facilities in Georgia, the company owns 17 lake properties developed for hydropower production, but maintained and open to the citizens of Georgia as easily accessible recreation areas highlighting the state's beauty and natural resources.

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Activities available to the public at Georgia Power's lakes and recreation facilities include boating, waterskiing, hiking, camping at more than 350 picturesque campsites, picnic areas, bird watching and much more.  The company also leases about 30,000 acres for use as wildlife management areas, operated by the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Visitors planning a trip to one of these facilities are encouraged to visit GeorgiaPower.com/Lakes, where they will find a wide variety of information about exploring the sites. The website includes detailed information on all of Georgia Power's properties, including facilities, amenities and activities; varieties of fish that anglers can expect to encounter in each lake; water safety information including extensive boating and waterskiing regulations and tips; and information about volunteer opportunities to help keep the state's lakes and rivers clean.

In addition to following state regulations and posted guidelines at lakes and rivers, Georgia Power reminds swimmers and boaters to "put safety first" this summer by keeping the following tips in mind:  

• Never swim alone in unsupervised areas. Use the "buddy system" in which you and another swimmer agree to watch one another.
• Don't dive or jump into unfamiliar water. Shallow water or submerged trees or rocks could cause injury or even paralysis.
• Don't stay in the water too long, especially when the water is cold.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity. The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates below the national average. Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.

www.georgiapower.com

SOURCE Georgia Power