A man who was swimming from a boat on Fort Loudoun Lake near Concord Park drowned this afternoon. 

At approximately 2 p.m., a man swam from a vessel towards the shore, went under, and did not resurface.  Witnesses assisted in helping the Knox County Rescue Squad pinpoint the area where the victim went under and searchers located the body with sonar.   A diver made the recovery at approximately 4:50 p.m. 

TWRA urges everyone to wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved life jacket while boating and swimming and boating.  If someone in the water becomes in distress, remember “Reach, Throw, Row, Go.” 

Reach

Extend a fishing rod, branch, oar, towel, or other object to REACH out to the victim and pull him or her to safety. If nothing is available, lie flat on the dock or boat, grab the victim’s hand or wrist, and pull him or her to safety.

Throw

If the victim is too far away to reach and a boat isn’t handy, THROW the victim a PFD or anything else that will float.

Row

If a rowboat is available, ROW to the victim and then use an oar or paddle to pull the victim to the stern. Let the victim hold onto the stern as you paddle to shore. If the victim is too weak, hold onto him or her until help arrives. If using a powerboat, stop the engine and glide to the victim from the downwind side.

Go

Swimmers without lifesaving training should not swim to a victim. Instead, GO for help. If you must swim, take along anything that floats to keep between you and the victim.