Observed rainfall totals for July ranked above-average at the Russell sub-basin and below average at the Hartwell and Thurmond sub-basins.

The Russell sub-basin received 106 percent of normal rainfall for the month recording 4.7 inches. The average July rainfall at Russell is 4.3 inches.

The Thurmond sub-basin received 74 percent of normal rainfall for the month. Thurmond rainfall measured 3.2 inches, falling short of the July average of 4.3 inches.

The Hartwell sub-basin received 64.1 percent of normal rainfall, recording 3.4 inches. The July average at Hartwell is 5.2 inches.

July’s largest rain event occurred July 31 over the Russell sub-basin, dumping 1.8 inches of rain within 24 hours. The second largest rain event occurred July 19 at the Hartwell sub-basin with 1.6 inches of rain.

Reservoir levels declined throughout July as previously predicted, due to a variety of factors: including increased amounts of water lost due to evaporation and transpiration; increased demand for hydroelectric power due to hotter temperatures; and reduced amounts of rainfall and inflows to the basin.

Although dry conditions began to develop in the last few weeks, the U.S. Drought Monitor suggests the trend is short-term. The most recent seasonal drought outlook (published July 17) indicates the Savannah River Basin is expected to be free from drought conditions through the end of October. The ENSO forecast continues to forecast neutral conditions throughout early 2015. Our water managers monitor basin conditions closely and will make adjustments as conditions change.

~Tracy Robillard, public affairs specialist

– See more at: http://balancingthebasin.armylive.dodlive.mil/2014/08/04/julyrainfall/#more-1645

All Boats

In South Carolina, vessels may not be operated in excess of idle speed within 50 feet of an anchored vessel, wharf, pier, dock, or a person in the water. Vessels may not operate in excess of idle speed within 100 yards of the Atlantic coastline (Sec. 50-21-870).

Equipment

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
All boats must have a US Coast Guard approved wearable type PFD for each person on board or being towed. Each PFD must be in good condition, readily available and the proper size for the intended wearer. In addition, boats 16 feet in length or longer must carry a Type IV throwable device. In South Carolina, any person under twelve years of age must wear a US Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD when on board a class “A” (less than 16 ft. long) boat.

Fire Extinguisher
One Coast Guard approved hand-held portable fire extinguisher must be aboard each boat less than 26 ft. if the boat is carrying passengers for hire or if the construction permits the entrapment of flammable vapors or if it has a permanently installed gas tank, including gas tanks that use any type of fastener that would hamper the immediate removal of the tank from the boat. Additional extinguishers are required in boats larger than 26 ft. Contact the SCDNR for complete regulations.

Navigation Lights
Navigation Lights must be on between official sunset and sunrise.

Flares
Flares are required for vessels in coastal waters.

Bells, Whistle
All boats less than 39.4 feet must carry an efficient sound producing device. Every vessel from 39.4 to 65.6 feet must carry a whistle and a bell.

As the Independence Day weekend rapidly approaches, the temperatures are soaring and the lakes are full. Everyone is seeking ways to cool off, and many are dying to get back on the lake—but for some the dying part is literal.

There have been four recreation fatalities on the Corps of Engineers’ Savannah River lakes this fiscal year, and all of them were preventable.

Everyone should follow these three tips for a safe day at the lake. Failure to follow these is directly attributable to reoccurring causes of fatalities on our lakes.

• Wear a life jacket.  It is the easiest thing to do and yet more than 95 percent of the people who drowned on our lakes were not wearing one. Swimming, falling off a dock, or falling off a boat are all common actions that lead to drowning—but drowning could be prevented in most cases if the victim simply had worn a life jacket. Parents, set a good example for your kids and wear one.  Young people, encourage each other to wear one; it will not ruin your tan. Fishermen, I guarantee you can still cast as far and catch just as many fish wearing one than without. If you don’t have a life jacket, you can borrow one from our many life jacket loaner boards in our parks or ask a park ranger or attendant.
• Don’t swim out to buoys. There are multiple hazards under the water that you will never see –tree stumps, old bridges, drop-offs, and rocks. Don’t jump off bridges or swim out to the many buoys floating around the lake. First off, it is illegal and could get you fined, and second it is unsafe. We have many designated swim beaches around the lake for your use. Please use them. If you swim outside of these areas or decide to play off a dock, you have no idea what is under the water. You could step in a drop-off and find yourself inhaling water, or jump off a dock and hit an old pile of concrete dumped in the lake 20 years ago.
• Know how to operate your boat or personal water craft properly.  Did you know that lakes Hartwell and Thurmond consistently rank in the top 10 lakes nationwide with the most visitors? There are a lot of people on the lake every day during the peak recreation season. Knowing the ‘rules of the road’ with navigating and operating your water craft properly are essential to maintain a safe environment on the lake. Take a safe boating course (most are free) and operate your water craft responsibly.

Each day, especially weekends and holidays, a dedicated group of park rangers and volunteers canvass the lakes to remind people about water safety. They are not out there to harass you and probably would rather be enjoying the lake instead of wearing a hot uniform; but they feel that pushing water safety is a worthy cause, even if it saves just one life. If you are approached by one of these individuals, please listen to the message and take it to heart.

We want everyone to enjoy time at the lake.  Please use it responsibility. Consider the consequences of your actions and look out for each other.

~Joe Melton, Natural Resources Program Manager and Water Safety Coordinator

– See more at: http://balancingthebasin.armylive.dodlive.mil/2014/06/26/3things/#more-1598