DNR stresses safety to river swimmers
Jun. 27—Sunday's drowning was the second in the Baldwin County portion of the Oconee River in as many years.
With temperatures climbing and people looking for ways to cool off, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding swimmers to be cautious and knowledgeable of water conditions when entering the river.
"That river is ever-changing," said DNR game warden Sgt. Bubba Stanford. "You have a current with it, and many times that current you can't see. The top of the water doesn't always show what's happening underneath."
The most recent local drowning in the Oconee River occurred near the Oconee River Greenway boat ramp. Stanford identified the victim as 22-year-old Ferman Soiano Samuel De Jesus of Atlanta. The game warden said De Jesus was swimming in the river with friends when he went under.
"That area of the Greenway is a little bit swifter water in the immediate area of the bridge and the mill there," Stanford said.
Stanford added that recent heavy rains "could have" contributed to the swift currents and high water level when the latest drowning occurred near the Greenway.
Located along the river east of downtown, the Greenway has paved riverview paths for walking, running and biking. There's also a fenced-in dog park and a boat ramp commonly used as a put-in point for kayakers. In addition to those other activities, the Greenway gives recreational swimmers access to the local waterway. Warnings are posted at the boat ramp for people entering the water. A white sign with red letters warns river-goers of potential hazards including swift currents, flash flooding and underwater obstructions. Painted onto the boat ramp itself are reminders to wear a life jacket.
Baldwin County's most recent river drowning before Sunday occurred in early June 2022 when Alex Escobar Carreto, 15, fell over some railing and into the Oconee River at Sinclair Dam, which is well upstream from the Greenway.
Stanford reminded the public of the crucial role life jackets play for those wanting to enjoy their time on the water.
"If you cannot swim or consider yourself a marginal swimmer, you need to wear a life jacket. In all my years I've yet to recover a drowning victim that was wearing a life jacket," the 20-year DNR veteran Stanford said. "They definitely save lives."
Other safety tips provided were to be aware of surroundings and to have a swim partner.
"All of those things can be useful to prevent tragedies like this in the future," said Stanford.
The approaching Fourth of July holiday brings the busiest time of year on the local waterways. DNR game wardens will be out enforcing state laws helping to keep everyone safe.
"We're heading into a holiday weekend, so we're going to have more and more people in our area on the river and lakes," Stanford said. "Practice water safety. Be safe. Have a good time. Have fun, but remember dangers are very much there and tragedies can happen."
