Summer in Cola means grab a tube and head to the river with your friends – but with two recent drownings in the last week on the Congaree and Saluda, it’s important to know some river safety tips.

1⃣️ Risks | Be mindful of trees and their roots, debris, rocks, holes (some can be 12-ft.-deep) + drop-offs.

2⃣️ Conditions | Water levels + currents are constantly changing due to temperature, rainfall + water released from the dam (check SCE&G’s website for current + predicted conditions). Enter + exit the river in calm, shallow waters.

3⃣️ Strengths + Limits | Know how to swim + go easy on the alcohol

4⃣️ Necessities | Bring a life jacket, a friend + a waterproof bag for your ID and phone

5⃣️ Action | Thousands of pounds of water are moving down the river each second. If rough waters start to sweep you away, float – don’t fight – until you can stand.
2 min read / The State