Man drowns trying to rescue son

Second man to die in Lake Waccamaw in less than a month

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY)- A man is dead after he jumped into Lake Waccamaw to rescue his son.

According to a North Carolina State Park spokesperson – on Saturday – a  33-year-old man was out on the water tubing with his son – for unknown reasons the tube detached from the boat.

The man then jumped the lake but never resurfaced, his body was spotted later by a drone.

This is the second death in Lake Waccamaw in less than a month, both men were not wearing lifejackets.

Some boat access ramps have stations with life-jackets on them, for those who forget their personal floatation device or have one that doesn’t fit.

All is asked is that you return it when done, to give the opportunity to someone else.

Tommy Bounds, a regular visitor of the park, said the lake is unpredictable.

“It’s really shallow in some spots and then it drops off, he said. “And then you got people on jet skis, and all that, constantly making waves.”

Bounds said the waves aren’t the only factor that will get you in trouble.

“Going out in bad weather, or falling out of a boat; or a canoe; or kayak, then they drown,” he said.

Nancy Leach was visiting the park on her way back home to the Charlotte area.

“Even the best swimmers can find themselves in a lot of trouble,” she said.

Leach has kayaked for years – and says having a life jacket is the most important piece of equipment to have with you on the water.

“So you flip over or jump out of the boat, and you accidentally hit your head, and all of sudden you are not in shape to swim,” she said. “A life-vest is absolutely number one.”

Leach said,  it can happen to anyone, at any time, and added that it’s always best to go out with a buddy.

Fortunately, the 9-year-old boy was rescued and was where had on a life jacket.