July 4th Patrols On Lake Hartwell

By Carmen Coursey
Reporter
Published: July 4, 2008

It’s a birthday celebration, and the party’s just getting started on Lake Hartwell in Anderson County.
But beside the boats, there’s also booze, and an hour wait to get in the water.

“We were putting in at another ramp, but the water was too low so we came here and of course it’s packed,” said Will Moore of Anderson.

The low water levels add another safety concern to what already has the potential to be a rough day on the water. Any obstruction on the lake’s bottom, is now closer to the top, which raise chances of boaters who don’t stay inside the main channel, hitting land.

And as the day goes on, more boats hit the lake, the coolers get lighter, and potential dangers go up.
That’s why Department of Natural Resource officers like Benny Owens will patrol lake waters all weekend.

“There’s more time to consume some alcohol, and the sun workin’ on ‘em, the water working on ‘em,” said Owens.

Our cameras were rolling, as he pulled over a boat loaded with young people.

“Put it in neutral-- I’m going to come along side and do a safety check,” said Owens.

Owens looked for several items, including personal flotation devices for everyone on board, as well as a sober driver.

“Let everybody hold a life jacket that’s the proper size that they can wear, let everybody hold one.”

If boaters fail inspection, the party’s over.

“Ya’ll have a good time,” said Owens, “but make sure somebody operates this boat safe, ok?”