Tragic Drowning At Popular Spot On North Carolina Lake
My earliest memories of North Carolina are visiting my grandparents’ house on Lake Wylie. In my family you learned to walk and water ski simultaneously. Now, one thing my grandfather didn’t play around with was boating and lake safety. We were NEVER allowed in the water that we didn’t have some sort of personal flotation device on. This was an unbreakable rule whether you were just learning to swim or were a grown adult who was practically a fish in the water. I remember thinking, “Why are we having to do this? I’m a competition swimmer?” Then I read this morning of another tragic drowning at Lake Norman.
And it’s not like this occurred out in the middle of the deepest part of the lake. No, authorities were called out to the sand bar. This is an uber popular gathering space on Lake Norman. The sand bar is fairly shallow and heavily populated during the days of summer (see video below). I remember when we used to run our “Redneck Yacht Club” concerts on the Lake, I always enjoyed our boat passing by the sand bar to see how much fun everyone was having.
That being said, more often than not I saw people enjoying the water and boating while ignoring my grandfather’s unbreakable rule. According to WBTV, North Carolina Wildlife is now investigating the incident. No other details of the incident or the victim’s identity have been released.
Folks, none of us is invincible in the water. My grandfather was right. Always wear a flotation device when enjoying your time on the water. The last thing I want to write is “Another tragic drowning on Lake Norman,” or any lake.
10 Fun Things to Do at the Lake
Swimming in the cool waters
I grew up a swimmer, but some lakes are just too cold for my taste. That said, many people love a refreshing dip into crisp, cold water at their local lake. Just check temperatures before you jump in, because if it’s too early in the season, those temperatures could be dangerously cold.
Little kid swimming in the lake. Getty Images.
Camping near the shoreline
Water often attracts special wildlife that you won’t find anywhere else. That makes camping near a lake a very special experience and different from the typical campground. When you’re camping, make sure you check out the nature that blossoms around the lakes and wetlands, too.
Campsite with orange tent. Getty Images.
Fishing
When I was a little kid, I wanted to go fishing. My dad was not a fisherman by any means and was pretty clueless about it. So, he had a friend of his take us fishing, and it was so fun, even though I didn’t catch anything. That said, fishing is a great summer activity on the lake.
Father and son fishing on boat. Getty Images.
Paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing
If you’re looking for an activity to help keep you in shape, paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing are all great exercise. All of those activities are harder than they look, too, so they can be challenging. But, in the end, you’ll have a good time and get in a real workout. Many lakes have places were you can rent a paddleboat, kayak or canoe, too.
Couple kayaking together. Getty Images.
Water sports
One of my cousins absolutely loves jet skiing. It’s always fun to hear him talk about the experience. I’m not much of a water sports enthusiast, but I can appreciate those who do partake. You don’t even have to have your own boat or jet skis, as they are often available for rent nearby.
Young man riding jet boat on a summer day at the lake. Getty Images.
Have a picnic
It’s always a charming activity to have a picnic by the lake. Invite some friends or family over and bring some delicious food to enjoy while looking at the water. Oh, and make sure to have ice cream. That’s a must.
Picnic by the lake. Basket with berries, bread. Getty Images.
Take a hike
Hiking near a lake can be extra lovely, as the water can offer glorious scenery to really make your hike memorable. As aforementioned, lakes often attract nature that you don’t find anywhere else, so hiking around the water can be a unique experience.
Woman with a small yellow dog standing on pier by the mountain lake. Getty Images.
Party with friends
Parties by the lake are always fun. So, get out a grill and invite a bunch of friends down to the beach to enjoy a day or night of partying by the water. But, don’t get wasted, because drinking and swimming can be a deadly combination.
Happy friends doing selfie swimming in the sea with sail boat in background. Getty Images.
Sunbathing
Here’s my top choice, even though you’ll likely find me doing it in the shade: sunbathing. If the water is too cold of you’re just not up to more challenging activities, you can get some sun and lay on the beach. But, remember the sunscreen.
Women relaxing at the lake. Getty Images.
Lakeside games
Lakeside games are definitely a thing, and there are many quirky games that you can play by the lake. A few enjoyable lake games include water balloon fights, bean bag tosses, horseshoes and more. Pick a game and dig in.
Family on dock splashing feet in lake. Getty Images.
