NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Officials are issuing a stern warning to the public following two distressing incidents at Percy Priest Lake last week.
Within a matter of days, two swimmers entered the water and tragically did not resurface, prompting concerns about water safety and the need for heightened precautions.
Nashville Emergency Operations crews spent hours Sunday morning searching the water. Officials said the still unidentified person was recovered around noon.
They were originally called out to the Party Cove area Saturday around 3 p.m. when a man did not resurface.
The back to back drownings have cast concerns over the safety of those taking part in water activities at Percy Priest Lake.
As Memorial Day draws several visitors to Anderson Road Beach at Percy Priest Lake, many families gathered to honor fallen service members, enjoy quality time with loved ones and swim.
"Relaxing, this month the water is really fresh,' said Rene Perez.
However, a relaxing day on the water can quickly go wrong.
Kristin Michelitch is an avid kayaker who enjoys the lake.
She pointed out that motorboats sometimes venture too close to swimmers and kayakers, posing a significant risk.
"There are certain rules where experience boaters, people who own their boats or jet ski they know the rules here but they actually don’t do a great job at posting the rules at the boat launches or I don’t know what kind of information they give to people renting."
Swimming in a lake is not like a public pool. You swim at your own risk.
Rene Perez, who took his family and boat out at Percy Priest Lake, stressed the importance of personal safety measures for his family.
"Sure, 100% when we’re coming on the boat we try to use the safety vest."
In response to the recent tragedies, the Nashville Fire Department is reinforcing the differences between swimming in a lake and swimming in a pool.
Officials said to always enter the water feet first for your safety, dive only in water clearly marked as safe for diving and to be prepared for unexpected changes in the water temperature. Also, be aware of fast-moving currents.
They say even in shallow water, it can be unexpected and come with more force than swimmers realize. Ensure every member of your family learns to swimso they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely. Know what to do in a water emergency,including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.
