Duke Energy encouraging Safety on Lakes

Memorial Day marks the traditional start of the summer recreation season. Duke Energy encourages everyone to practice safety while boating and enjoying other activities on Lakes Keowee and Jocassee. Each year, thousands of people die or are injured, and millions of dollars of property damage occur because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. Everyone can make a difference by knowing and following all state-required safety rules and guidelines for boat operation, and ensuring each boat has the required safety equipment for the number of occupants and activities planned. Duke Energy reminds people overnight camping, fires, littering, removal of any vegetation and permanent structures are strictly prohibited on any of the lakes’ public recreation access areas, islands or along the shoreline. Camping around Lakes Keowee and Jocassee is prohibited except at the approved Oconee and Pickens county parks, Devil Fork State Park or campgrounds. “As you make your Memorial Day plans, we remind boating and camping enthusiasts to pick up after their day on the lake, respect the access areas, the islands and their neighbors and enjoy the outdoors safely,” said Scott Jolley, public safety recreation and design project manager for Duke Energy. “Camping is prohibited on the access areas and islands. Help us promote safety and keep these recreational resources clean.” Please follow these other guidelines while enjoying the lakes: Parking at public recreation access areas is permitted in marked spaces only. Vehicles and trailers should not park along the highway. Vehicles found in prohibited areas may be towed without prior notice, at the owner’s expense. Keep the environment safe and clean by leaving no trace of your visit to the lakes. Handle gasoline and oil with care to avoid spills, and please do not litter. Always wear a personal floatation device; one should be available for every passenger. Ensure children are wearing the appropriate size. Remember to stay hydrated, and keep children hydrated. Wearing a flotation device for a long period of time can accelerate dehydration. Do not overload a boat. Seats do not indicate capacity. Keep track of the weather. If caught in rough water, keep low in the boat and head into the waves. Alcohol and water do not mix. Alcohol distorts a person’s judgment and slows down reaction time. Do not mix alcohol with boating or swimming. Always be attentive on the water, and focus on operating the boat. Remember an accident can happen very quickly. Stay alert for other boaters and skiers. Use caution upstream and downstream of hydro dams, and observe posted signage. Carry all the proper equipment including a cell phone, drinking water (to prevent dehydration) and let your friends and family know where you are going and when you will return. Take advantage of the boating expertise that is available. The Red Cross, SCDNR, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Power Squadron and other organizations offer a variety of safe boating courses. Free boat inspections are also available.