Summer water: What park rangers say you should know

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WJBF) – Summer is right around the corner, which means you may be thinking about a day out on the water. 

Heading to the lake or river might be a great way to cool off during the summer months. But if you’re not careful it could be a dangerous way to spend the day.

“Here on the J. Strom Thurmond Project, we see an uptick in visitation in all of our areas. Some of the things that we witness on a regular basis are individuals– adults, as well as kids– without the proper PFDs while they’re out there recreating on the lake,” Chief ranger of Recreation, J. Strom Thurmond Project Garrett Bramlette said.

Georgia and South Carolina’s Departments of Natural Resources say dozens of incidents happen on their waters each year — Incidents like boat and jet ski crashes and drownings. Rangers say many of those are preventable.

“No matter where you’re swimming, whether it is the J. Strom Thurmond Project or the Savannah River, you do want to make sure that you can swim before entering into any kind of body of water…” Bramlette said.

But there is something he says can ensure safety.

“Right here we have two different styles of PFDs, one is inflatable– which you see a lot of fisherman and outdoor recreationalists using this one– and just a standard PFD as well. If you’re ever curious to know whether or not it’s coast guard approved, inside of these jackets, they do have a tag in here and it’ll say whether it’s coast guard or not and you always want to make sure that your PFD is coast guard approved.”

Bramlette also says, there are parts of Thurmond Lake that are restricted and it’s important to keep those areas in mind for your safety.

“One of the biggest hazards right now is that the army corp of engineers does not have designated swim areas that are open to the public right now. So, with that being said, use your state or county resources. If you are going to be in an undesignated area, make sure that there are no hazards in the surrounding area before recreating.”

If you are out on the water and ever find yourself in an unsafe situation, the best thing to do is call 911 for assistance.