DNR Law Enforcement Encouraging Life Jacket Usage after Two Drownings

MJ Kneiser

The official start of Summer doesn’t begin until tomorrow, but already two people have drowned on Lake Hartwell.

That’s why DNR Law Enforcement officials are once again emphasizing the importance of water safety – particularly wearing a life jacket.

Saturday evening, a Lavonia man drowned when he slipped off a floatation device into the water near the Rocky Ford Boat Ramp in Hart County.

Authorities say 29-year-old Turio Blackwell did not know how to swim.

A dive team reportedly found his body in 10-feet of water.

And over Memorial Day weekend, a Demorest man drowned on Lake Hartwell in Stephens County.

45-year-old Eric Garrison Thurmond was swimming in 10-15 feet of water off the Holcomb Access Boat Ramp when he began to struggle and went under.

DNR Law Enforcement Officer Craig Fulghum said whether you’re swimming or boating, always wear a life jacket.

“From the aspect of drowning, number one is wear a life jacket,” said Fulghum. “As a swimmer, you have to know your limitations and know that when you’re on the water, fatigue can set in, you can get cramps and distances that seem short in the water, sometimes the distance is distorted so in those situations, a life jacket is crucial.”

In the case of the Demorest man, friends saw him go under and were able to pull him to shore, but it was too late.

Fulghum said when swimming in the lake, make sure you’re swimming with a partner.

“We always say swim with a friend, that way if there is an issue, you can help each other out,” said Fulghum. “Limit exposure to alcohol or drugs, which can be a huge issue when you’re swimming. Your ability to do things will be slowed down and can cause a lot of issues. But the biggest thing from DNR standpoint is have a life jacket on.”

Fulghum also reminds boaters and swimmers on Lake Hartwell that there is a life-jacket lending kiosk at the Tugalo Mega Ramp where you can borrow a life jacket for the day.

If you would like to donate a life jacket, contact the DNR office at: 770-535-5499.