CATAWBA RIVER — Glance Harris Vaughan, 16, of Rock Hill had an idea to make a difference after a deadly year of drownings and multiple rescues on the Catawba River.
The teen has placed 16 signs along the river that are like mile marker signs seen on roads so people boating, kayaking and tubing would know where they are on the river and hopefully save lives.
“I think everybody, when they go out, there is worried about the dangers, and staying safe," Vaughn said.
Vaughan is a Boy Scout but his idea for his Eagle Scout project has set him apart.
Vaughan worked with emergency officials and private land owners along the Catawba River to place mile marker signs every half mile, and signs alerting people on the river to access points.
His work stretches 6 miles downstream.
Nearly a dozen people have been rescued from the Catawba River this year.
Many were on the river at night and had no idea where they were.
Despite GPS and cellphones, rescuers can't always find victims quickly.
Now, Vaughan's project is part of the county's 911 system.
The signs were installed Saturday and people on the river, are noticing.
Vaughan's mission was simple.
"I just want to feel that people are safer out there on the river, cause it's a dangerous place," Vaughn said.
York County is going to continue the project, and put in more signs going 15 miles downriver to the Lancaster County line and Lancaster County will take over the project, from there.
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