Possible Safety Changes To Lake Norman

TROUTMAN, N.C.,None — One day after a drowning at Lake Norman State Park, Eyewitness News learned of possible safety changes.

On Sunday, park rangers told Eyewitness News they could soon be adding lifeguards to the lake's public swimming area but there are rules to follow.

"They can't consume alcohol, swim outside the designated area, throw rocks cause people drown," said Chief Ranger, Casey Rhinehart

A 22-year-old man apparently drowned at that public swimming area Saturday afternoon.

The victim was reported missing from the church group he came with after they had gone swimming at about 11 a.m.

Rhinehart said he didn't know if the 22-year-old had been breaking the rules.

The victim's body was found by another swimmer.

Rhinehart told Eyewitness News, besides himself, there are only two other park rangers employed at the lake. They have about 2,000 acres of ground to cover and he said they can't always monitor the swimming area.

He said adding life guards could enhance safety.

"We are already revisiting that for next year," said Rhinehart.

Adding lifeguards would come at a cost, but Rhinehart couldn't say how much swimmers would be charged.

At least one swimmer we spoke to said the added safety would be worth the cost.

"I've seen a few of the rangers and some of the other people who work here, but it's just not enough."

Rhinehart said it could be Tuesday before the autopsy results were back from the victim who apparently drowned.

Saturday's drowning was the first of the year at Lake Norman State Park.

Previous Stories: July 2, 2011: 22-Year-Old Drowns At Lake Norman State Park

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