Lake Hartwell Corps Rangers warn against the Seven Deadly Swims

By MJ Kneiser, News Director of 92.1 WLHR

With the 4th of July holiday weekend approaching, Rangers with the US Army Corps of Engineers Lake Hartwell Project Office are warning visitors to the lake to take extra precautions when swimming.

They’re calling it “The Seven Deadly Swims” – instances and situations that could more easily cause a swimmer to drown.

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

Corps Ranger Annette Dotson with the Hartwell Lake Project Office said Swimming Outside a Designated Swimming Area can be dangerous because you don’t know what’s under the water.

The second deadly swim is obvious. Swimming Without a Life Jacket is Very Dangerous.

Many people believe that because they are good swimmers, they don’t need a life jacket. Or they say the life jacket is too bulky and makes them hot.

Dotson said many different kinds of approved life jackets are available at local retailers that will keep you comfortable and safe on the boat and in the water.

And the July 4th holiday weekend will likely see revelers on the water with an ice chest of beer or other alcoholic beverages on board their boat.

The fourth Deadly Swim is Swimming Under the Influence.

Jumping into the water under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be deadly, according to Dotson.

All of these dangers can be prevented by simply remembering to wear a life jacket at all times while on or in the water.

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

There are also at least two life jacket lending stations on Lake Hartwell. One is at the Tugaloo Mega Ramp.