Missing swimmer at Pines Recreation Area found deceased
The body of a swimmer who disappeared on Lake Glenville on July 27 has been recovered following an extensive multi-agency search effort.
At 4:22 p.m. this past Sunday, the Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad responded to a report of a missing swimmer at Pines Recreation Area. According to Kathryn Davis, public affairs officer for Glenville-Cashiers Rescue Squad, witnesses told authorities the swimmer had ventured outside the designated swimming zone and into deeper waters.
Moments later, the person disappeared beneath the surface and could not be located. Search and rescue teams recovered the body of a 22-year-old man about 6:30 p.m. on July 28.
The recovery effort included assistance from Jackson County Emergency Management, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Graham County Emergency Management and the Henderson County Rescue Squad Dive Team.
Specialized equipment was used in the extensive search effort, which included underwater drones, sonar systems and boats. Divers were also brought in to assist.
The Pines Recreation Area was temporarily closed to the public during the operation, but has since reopened.
“The safety of the public and responders is always our top priority,” Davis said “All responders followed state and local protocols and operation-specific safety measures were in place to ensure maximum risk mitigation.”
Authorities also asked the public avoid the area during operations to ensure safety guidelines and to wear life vests when in or near the water.
“We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to wear a personal flotation device during any type of aquatic recreation,” she said.
Davis further reminded Lake Glenville visitors to follow posted safety guidelines and to wear flotation devices when in or near water.
“We deeply appreciate the multi-agency support and assistance in this successful recovery,” she said. “Please remember the victim’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers, as well as those who witnessed this tragedy.”
- Kevin McCall
reporter@highlandsnews.com