Corps Rangers urge Wearing Life Jackets on Lake after 4 Drownings

By MJ Kneiser, News Director of 92.1 WLHR

Life Jacket lending stations can be found at Tugaloo State Park Mega Ramp and the Elrod Ferry Recreation Area in Hartwell

With the three drownings on Independence Day and one on June 20 in Lake Hartwell, the Corps of Engineers and the Georgia Dept of Natural Resources Game Wardens are reminding people visiting the lake to always wear a life jacket when they’re in the water.

In each of the four drownings this year on the lake, authorities say none of the victims were wearing a life jacket.

Earlier, we told you about what Corps Rangers are calling “the Seven Deadly Swims” – mistakes people make that could cause them to drown.

Three of the top Deadly Swims include Swimming Without a Life Jacket, Swimming Outside a Designated Swimming Area, and Swimming Under the Influence.

Many people believe that because they are good swimmers, they don’t need a life jacket.

Or they say the standard-issue life jacket is too bulky and makes them hot.

But Corps Ranger Annette Dotson with the Hartwell Lake Project Office says there are all different kinds of approved life jackets that are available at local retailers or on retail websites like Amazon that will keep you comfortable and safe in the water or on the boat.

Additionally, Dotson said swimming (or even wading) outside a designated swimming area can be dangerous because you don’t know what’s under the water.

In the case of the two men who drowned Saturday night, they were wading in the lake when they stepped into an 8ft deep hole that was underwater.

Another Deadly Swim is Swimming Under the Influence.

Jumping or falling off a boat or dock into the water while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also be deadly, according to Dotson.

Dotson pointed out that all of these dangerous swim activities can be prevented by simply remembering to wear a life jacket at all times while on or in the water.

And if you or someone in your group needs a life jacket, Corps and DNR campsites have free-to-borrow life jackets you can use while on or in the water.

The Tugaloo Mega Ramp at Tugaloo State Park and the Elrod Ferry Recreation Area in Hartwell also have free life-jacket lending stations.

Additionally, Hartwell Marina and Harbor Light Marina on Lake Hartwell offer free-to-borrow life jackets as well.