SAVANNAH, Ga. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hartwell Lake Office, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will host a boating and water safety media event Wednesday, June 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Big Oaks Recreation Area at Hartwell Lake.
This event is planned in advance of one of Hartwell’s busiest times of the year, the Fourth of July holiday. Last year on July 4, there were two recreation-related fatalities at Hartwell Lake and one fatality at Richard B. Russell Lake. None of the victims were wearing a life jacket.
The Corps of Engineers and other agencies consider the media a vital part of communicating water and boating safety messages to the public. The media event will give reporters an opportunity to speak with boating safety officers and park rangers about the differences in state boating laws, the effects of boating under the influence of alcohol, boating equipment requirements, life jackets, and more.
Additionally, patrol boats will be available to take reporters out on the lake to capture video footage and photos.
Media are encouraged to RSVP in advance with Park Ranger Asher Alexander by calling 706-856-0336 or sending an e-mail to: Asher.L.Alexander@usace.army.mil
Directions: Big Oaks Recreation Area is located next to the Hartwell Lake Office and Visitor Center on U.S. Hwy. 29 in Hart County, Ga.
From South Carolina, follow U.S. Hwy. 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 U.S. Hwy. 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 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.