Officials discuss water safety after 7 calls on lakes, rivers

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Fire Department wants to remind people to be safe out on the water this summer especially as we head into the Fourth of July holiday.

Firefighters held a water safety event Thursday. They spoke about the importance of swim lessons, wearing life vests and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Fire officials said in the past two weeks, they've responded to seven emergency calls on lakes and rivers and five resulted in drowning.

Channel 9 reported on two drownings at Lake Wylie this week.

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Wofford College basketball player and Camp Thunderbird counselor Jeremiah Tate died after investigators say he jumped off a bridge into the lake to swim.

Dana Franklin, 60, was also found dead in the lake this week. Channel 9 has asked investigators about the cause of death.

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