The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hartwell Lake office, in partnership with the Georgia and South Carolina Departments of Natural Resources, will host a boating and water safety media event at Hartwell Lake, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event is open to members of the news media only.
This event will take place at Big Oaks Recreation Area, located next to the Hartwell Lake Visitor Center on U.S. Highway 29 in Hart County, Ga.
Join boating safety officers and park rangers to learn about differences in state laws, new regulations on boating under the influence, boating equipment requirements, boater education, the importance of wearing a life jacket, and other boating and water safety issues. In addition, patrol boats will be available to take the media out for footage and photos.
"We planned this event in advance of one of the busiest boating days of the year, the Fourth of July - a day seen by many as a great opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy the lake," said Asher Alexander, Corps' park ranger.
Each year there are accidents and fatalities involving boating and swimming on area lakes, Alexander said. The Corps of Engineers and other agencies consider the media vital to water and boating safety education. This event provides the media an opportunity to capture footage, photos, and storylines to be used now or throughout the recreation season to educate the public.
Directions: From South Carolina, follow US Highway 29 into Georgia, Big Oaks is located approximately one mile past the Georgia/South Carolina state line on the right side of the road (there is a sign).
From Georgia, Big Oaks is located approximately six miles from the City of Hartwell, Ga. Following US Highway 29 North out of Hartwell, Big Oaks will be on the left (there is a sign) just past the Hartwell Lake Operation Manager’s Office and Visitor Center.
For more information, contact Park Ranger Asher Alexander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Project Office, at 706-856-0336 or toll-free at 1-888-893-0678, ext. 336.