The 5th Ranger Training Battalion will conduct its annual water jump from War Hill Park into Lake Lanier on May 8.

The water jump is an airborne operation where soldiers from the 5th Ranger Training Battalion parachute from Georgia National Guard Helicopters and land in Lake Lanier. This training enhances the morale of the unit, builds soldiers’ proficiency in airborne operations and develops law enforcement and emergency medical service inter-agency capability.

The 5th Ranger Training Battalion and local emergency services will have representatives conducting training and rehearsals on May 7 at War Hill Park. Community members and park visitors are asked to remove all vehicles from War Hill Park’s boat ramp and boat ramp parking lot before 9 a.m. May 7.

The boat ramp and parking lot will be closed by Dawson County Parks and Recreation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7 and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 8. The event may also delay boat traffic on Lake Lanier May 8-9 and possibly May 10 to ensure the safety of parachutists and boaters alike.