The U.S. Army 5th Ranger Training Battalion will conduct its annual water jump this month at Lake Lanier, requiring community members and park visitors to remove their vehicles from the War Hill Park boat ramp and ramp parking lot before 9 a.m., May 8.
Dawson County Parks and Recreation will close the ramp and parking lot the afternoon of May 8 as Rangers and local emergency services conduct training and rehearsals, authorities said. On May 9, Rangers will parachute into the lake from Georgia Army National Guard helicopters. If the weather turns inclement, the jump may happen May 10.
“The training enhances the morale of the unit, builds soldiers’ proficiency in airborne operations, and develops law enforcement and emergency medical service inter-agency capability,” according to an Army announcement.
The event may delay area boat traffic May 8-10, authorities said. The Army Corps of Engineers said on its Lake Lanier Facebook page that people may be able to view the jump from the water or nearby islands; patrol boats will ensure everyone keeps a safe distance.
