A 19-year-old man drowned Sunday evening at Jordan Lake near the area where two boaters went missing one week earlier. Their bodies were later recovered.
According to the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, the man was at the lake with eight friends and one family member. He was fishing and floating in the water when witnesses said his flotation device drifted away. When the man swam out to get it, he became tired and went under, according to witnesses.
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Emergency responders rushed to the scene at 7:30 p.m., and the 19-year-old's body was located around 11 p.m.
The drowning occurred near 3984 Farrington Road, at the intersection with Martha’s Chapel Road, the same access where two boaters launched a canoe last week and were later reported missing when their empty canoe was found.
After their bodies were found days later, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office identified the men as Daniel Garcia Garcia, 25, and Manuel Mauro Sifuentes Soto, 36, both of Durham.
The name of the 19-year-old will not be released until family members are notified.
Sheriff Mike Roberson wrote, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends grieving this heartbreaking loss. No words can ease their pain, but we hope they find strength and support in the days ahead."
The sheriff's office reminded people of the dangers of Jordan Lake while it is flooded, including the following hazards:
• Strong currents and unstable footing
• Submerged debris that can entangle swimmers
• Contaminants and bacteria that can cause illness
• Reduced visibility, even for trained divers
Jordan Lake is at a higher level after Tropical Depression Chantal brought several inches of rain and flooding to parts of North Carolina last week followed by several days of storms with heavy downpours.
Last week, WRAL News reported the lake is about 229 feet above sea level. That’s roughly 13 feet above its ideal depth.
Dana Matics, Army Corps of Engineers assistant operations project manager, is part of a team working to control the lake level. She said debris in the lake is also a cause for concern as garbage, tree trunks and other debris coat the shoreline.
"Go slower than you normally would and keep a lookout for debris," Matics said. "It will continue to be a navigational hazard."
Chief Deputy Steve Maynor with the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said it can be hard for boaters to get back in their canoe or kayak if they fall in some of the trash.
"It's concerning for the safety of the folks who want to utilize Jordan Lake for what it was designed for - the recreational side of it," Maynor said.
It's a good idea to avoid the lake while water levels are this high. If you do go into the lake, wear a life jacket.
"There’s obstacles under the water, and right now, you’re swimming above trees if you’re in those shorelines," Maynor said. "We urge you if you’re gonna be in the water, wear your life jacket. If you can’t see the bottom, you need to be in a life jacket.”