The Chatham County Sheriff's Office is warning people to stay off Jordan Lake after four people drowned in the county this month.
The most recent drowning was reported on Wednesday evening at Harris Lake.
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Deputies were called around 5:20 p.m. to a reported drowning near the Cross Point Boat Ramp on Cross Point Road in New Hill. When they arrived, deputies said a man's friends brought him to shore before emergency crews arrived.
According to initial reports, deputies said a man had been fishing with his friends before entering the water and beginning to struggle.
His friends began CPR after pulling him to shore, deputies said.
FirstHealth EMS and Moncure Fire Department responded along with the sheriff’s office. The man was pronounced dead on the scene.
Wednesday's drowning is Chatham County's fourth since Tropical Depression Chantal brought intense bouts of rain and flooding. Even after Chantal passed, the area endured more storms and flooding.
WRAL News previously reported two Durham men drowned earlier this month after they went missing while canoeing on Jordan Lake. On Sunday, a 19-year-old man drowned after going fishing at Jordan Lake.
On Thursday, the sheriff's office warned that lake levels are higher than normal, "creating strong currents, unpredictable depths and dangerous floating debris."
“This summer has been especially tragic on Jordan Lake,” Sheriff Mike Roberson said. "These are painful reminders that conditions on the water can turn deadly in an instant. We’re asking everyone to make safety the top priority and, for now, to stay off the lake.”
The sheriff’s office shared the following safety guidelines:
- Avoid entering the water or boating until conditions improve.
- Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when on or near the water.
- Only swim in designated swimming areas, where life jacket loaner stations are available.
- Be mindful of floating debris, submerged hazards, and swift currents, all of which can be deadly.