Officers get a boost in efforts to protect people who go to the rapids in Great Falls

John Marks
·2 min read

Duke Energy gave the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources a more than $18,000 grant Monday that will buy wet and dry suits, flotation devices, rafts, helmets and other equipment for officers who serve at the new rapids in Great Falls.

Officers from the SCDNR Law Enforcement Division formally receive an $18,500 grant from Duke Energy during a presentation in Great Falls on June 19. Tyson Blanton, of Duke Energy (center, behind check), and state Sen. Mike Fanning were on hand.
Officers from the SCDNR Law Enforcement Division formally receive an $18,500 grant from Duke Energy during a presentation in Great Falls on June 19. Tyson Blanton, of Duke Energy (center, behind check), and state Sen. Mike Fanning were on hand.

A new swift water rescue unit formed when Catawba River water was routed back to Great Falls after more than a century. The water had been diverted to power mills in the area.

A new whitewater area opened in March for rapids enthusiasts.

After 117 years, Great Falls gets its water back. New whitewater rapids to boost SC town

The restoration of Great Falls came as part of Duke Energy’s federal hydroelectric relicensing. The company needs federal approval to manage the Catawba River and its reservoir as it generates power. The most recent relicensing project involved a host of public recreation improvements across Lake Wylie and other reservoirs, including the Great Falls addition.

According to SCDNR, the rapids in Great Falls, which is expected to be a regional draw, creates different safety needs compared to nearby Fishing Creek or Lake Wateree.

Tips for navigating the long bypass whitewater rapids in Great Falls, SC

“It’s really to help us have a uniform, safe approach to anything that requires swift water rescue equipment or personnel to be able to have a successful operation and outcome,” said Lt. Brady Branham, head of the new SCDNR rescue unit.

Officers in that unit spent four days near Lake Wylie dam training on nighttime operations, rescue swimming, rescue boat operations and rope techniques in preparation of what they may face in Great Falls, according to Duke.

Kayakers headed to whitewater rapids in this South Carolina town will need some skill

Monday’s grant was part of a $500,000 award to various groups as part of Duke’s programs on emergency and storm preparations.

“These grants will help provide fellow first responders with the tools and training to handle whatever Mother Nature throws our way,” said Mike Callahan, Duke’s South Carolina state president.

State Sen. Mike Fanning said he expects the Great Falls whitewater to be a game changing amenity for the region.

“It can’t work if we don’t have ways of keeping people safe,” Fanning said. “Allowing SCDNR to do their jobs with the resources they need is going to be critical to helping this go long term.”