SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — With Memorial Day officially upon us, many residents and visitors have plans in the mountains of Western North Carolina.One popular spot is Fontana Lake, and local authorities are urging the public to make sure to bring responsibility with them.Right at the top for safety measures this Memorial Day weekend, authorities say, is the importance of not drinking and driving a vehicle or a boat.At the unofficial start of the summer season, officials like the Swain County Sheriff's Office and t...
SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — With Memorial Day officially upon us, many residents and visitors have plans in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
One popular spot is Fontana Lake, and local authorities are urging the public to make sure to bring responsibility with them.
Right at the top for safety measures this Memorial Day weekend, authorities say, is the importance of not drinking and driving a vehicle or a boat.
At the unofficial start of the summer season, officials like the Swain County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will be watching.
CHILLY WATERS AWAIT VISITORS AT LAKES THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
“There's absolutely no difference if you're driving drunk or boating drunk; you're going to be charged,” said Sheriff Curtis Cochran. “[NCWRC] will be patrolling the waters. If they need assistance, we'll help.”
Cochran says he wants everyone to have a good time on Fontana Lake, but responsibility is key to staying safe. He urges parents to keep a close eye on their kids, keeping them away from any rushing water. He also says life vests are a must.
“Every person on a boat – it's my understanding – has to have a life preserver, especially kids," Cochran said.
The sheriff says Hurricane Helene's impacts are also still present in the form of debris.
CEREMONIES PLANNED TO COMMEMORATE MEMORIAL DAY IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
“There's a lot of trash on Fontana right now, especially at the headwaters. They're starting to spread out through the rest of the lake right now because of Helene. That's something boaters really need to pay attention to. If you own a houseboat, you got to take those same precautions you would if you were on a boat,” Cochran said.
“I think it was beautiful outside, and I heard the weather is going to be great,” said resident Vincent DeVito. “Think about steep ledges and loose rocks, but most importantly, be aware of your surroundings and make sure you're prepared. Always have shoes ready. That's my biggest thing: Full-toed shoes. I have some boots in the back. You need to have some basic essentials to make sure if anything happens, you could wrap bandages or something."
On the water or off, Sheriff Cochran says safety is the top priority.