Georgia man drowns in Lake Hartwell

Authorities say a 54-year old man drowned on the Georgia side of Lake Hartwell Saturday while trying to swim back from a buoy. WLHR in Lavonia said Hartwell resident Dennis Baker died at the Old Reed Creek Boat Ramp near the Sara John Road. Officer Craig Fulgum of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources says Baker’s drowning is the first on the Georgia side of the lake this year and the first one on the Georgia side in several years. With the lake at full pool, more people will be swimming and even if you are a good swimmer, Fulgum advises, it’s important to wear a life jacket whenever you are in the water.