News 12 @ 11 o'clock, July 13, 2008

CLARKS HILL, Ga.---Columbia County Park Rangers combed the water on Sunday looking for the body of a child. Krystle Williams was having a cookout on the lake when she heard the cries for help and made the call to the police.

"I heard a lot of screaming and commotion started happening and I immediately called the police," said Krystal Williams.

EMA says Jonathan Tyler Thomas was walking in 1 1/2 feet of water with his mother and other relatives when suddenly there was a drop off.

"We heard boats coming up and everybody saying that a 9 year old was under the water," said Tasha Aguirre, a witness.

Witnesses watched as Thomas' family tried frantically to save him, but it was too late. His body was found about 3 hours later in 7 1/2 feet of water.

This is the fourth drowning at the lake since May, and the third in the West Dam since June.
Officials say the drought is causing unexpected and dangerous drop-offs and is proving to be a deadly combination.

"I hope something good comes out of this. I'm sorry the little boy had to lose his life, said Krystal."

It's a tragedy that is becoming all too common on the lake this summer, and a lesson about water safety no one wants to learn..like this. The Columbia County Coroner said Thomas didn't know how to swim and was not wearing a life jacket.

For those going to the lake, if you cannot swim, use caution and always wear a life jacket when you are in the water.

The Coroner told News 12 that the continuing fall in lake levels is
contributing to the drowning problem. Vernon Collins is calling on the
Army Corps of Engineers to close that part of the lake to swimmers
and waders.

The latest report indicates the lake level is nearly 11 and a half feet
below normal stage for this time of year.