As summer winds down, many families will enjoy the last of the season celebrating Labor Day at their favorite swimming hole or hopping in the boat for one last fishing trip. Lake Keowee, one of the more popular lakes in South Carolina, has about 18,500 acres of surface water. Its average depth is 53 feet, and it reaches nearly 300 feet at its deepest point, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
Want to swim in Lake Keowee? The depth, size, presence of boats, and other factors make swimming in a lake different from swimming in a pool, and for those who are not strong swimmers, we have some advice to help keep you and your family safe this Labor Day.
First and foremost, if your swimming ability is limited or non-existent and you are planning family time on the lake, always wear a flotation device.
Here are our top 7 tips to ensure your family’s safety on Lake Keowee this Labor Day weekend.
Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
Putting on a life jacket while boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming can mean the difference between life and death. Furthermore, life jackets must be worn by children under the age of 12 in South Carolina. This means putting the jacket on before the vessel is underway – moving or drifting.
Life jackets are available at Duke Energy access areas and are essential for water safety, especially for children and inexperienced swimmers. Whether swimming or boating, wearing a properly fitting life jacket is essential and can save a life. Life jackets in a variety of sizes are available for temporary use at many recreation access areas. Visitors may check out a life jacket at no charge and then return it to the kiosk when done. Life jacket loaner boards are run on an honor system, and the availability of life jackets will vary.
To ensure your safety on Lake Keowee, there are several Duke Energy Life Jacket locations in the area:
- Lake Keowee: South Cove Access Area, High Falls Access Area, Mile Creek Park Access Area
- Lake Jocassee: Devil’s Fork State Park
Swim with a buddy
Swim in designated areas only and always with a buddy. Rocks and other underwater hazards can be tricky when you swim outside of a marked swimming area. Always swim with a friend and let others know your location and your expected return time. You and your buddy should take turns being a spotter. Plan for someone to stay on the boat, shore, or dock to watch for any problems that may arise. A throw cushion is mandatory equipment for boats and may be used for swimmers in trouble, so always be aware of its location and keep it in an easily accessible place.
Swim sober
Pay attention to fatigue, health conditions, and alcohol use in members of your group. Exhaustion, impaired skills, and illness can affect your ability to swim safely. Sun, weather, and motion can elevate intoxication and make swimming dangerous, especially in deeper waters.
Drink water to stay hydrated as the sun can reduce your energy and cause cramping, affecting your fun and, more importantly, your safety on Lake Keowee.
Always enter unknown or shallow water feet-first
In general, you should always enter shallow or unknown waters feet first. Unknown waters are when you are unsure of the water depth or if you can’t see what lays beneath the surface. When possible, the wade entry is the best way to enter unknown waters. Wade entry is entering the water at a slow walk. Feel your way forward with your feet until the water is chest deep, then start to swim.
Be aware of currents, waves, and underwater obstructions
Being water competent in natural water requires additional knowledge and skill than swimming in a pool. Whenever you are near a lake, river, stream, or other natural water environments, watch and prepare for:
- Fast-moving currents, waves, and rapids, even in shallow water
- Hazards, such as dams, underwater obstacles, or rocks and debris
- Vegetation, animals, and fish
- Drop-offs that can unexpectedly change water depth
- Other people’s activities in the same waters, such as boaters and skiers
Watch the weather – be aware of sudden changes in air or water temperature
Watch for changes in the weather, especially in the afternoon. Although you may have checked the weather before your outing, summer storms can pop up suddenly and without warning. Also be aware of lake water levels, temperature, and currents. These can change quickly, making swimming more difficult and unsafe.
Watch for boaters
Be aware of boats and other motorized water vessels during dusk and nighttime hours. Pay particular attention to boats with no lights on, boats pulling skiers and tubes past the legal time in which they are allowed to do so, as well as kayakers who may be barely visible to others.
Follow these tips and be assured of you and your family’s safety on Lake Keowee this Labor Day.
2021