MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Boating season may officially begin Memorial Day weekend but crews on Lake Norman trained for their busy season ahead of time.
What You Need To Know
Crews train on Lake Norman in advance of the unofficial start of the summer season, Memorial Day weekend
The Cornelius Police Department has a lake unit dedicated to patrol and respond to calls on Lake Norman
Cornelius PD Lake Patrol Officer George Brinzey reminds people the importance of having a fire extinguisher, a throwable flotation device and life jackets while on a boat
Cornelius Police Department Lake Patrol Officer George Brinzey spent many summers on Lake Norman growing up, and now he’s keeping people safe on the water.
“It’s making a difference. Being a part of the change and bringing on that safety culture,” Brinzey said.
The Cornelius Police Lake Unit patrols the area mostly during boating season.
“There’s a lot of opportunity to educate people. Sometimes that means issuing a citation, but for the most part, it’s good solid educational opportunities,” Brinzey said.
This team is ready to respond to calls all year long.
“We always have two lake officers available for a water call,” Brinzey said.
For boat fires and medical calls, they call in the Cornelius Fire Department.
Cornelius Fire Department Captain EJ McCormick said the departments train together on different scenarios for them to be ready to respond no matter what agency arrives first.
They work on drills involving transferring a patient from one boat to another and throwing a rope to someone who got away from the dock or boat.
“This rope gives us a nice option to get the rope, pull them over, get settled down and see what’s going on, how can we help them,” McCormick said.
In early April, dozens of North Carolina agencies trained in the Lake Norman Public Safety Boat School.
“Again, it’s about forming relationships so when an event does happen, you have familiar faces in the crowd,” McCormick said.
McCormick and Brinzey would rather educate people on boating safety instead of responding to emergencies.
Brinzey, for example, reminds boaters about three pieces of essential safety equipment to keep on board. They include a fire extinguisher, a throwable flotation device and life jackets for everyone on board.
“Wearing a personal flotation device is what will keep you alive. It’s the seatbelt of the water,” Brinzey said.
Brinzey said there have been around 20 drownings on Lake Norman in the past three years, and most of them could’ve been prevented with a life jacket.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, drowning was the leading cause of death in boating accidents in 2022, with 86% of those cases involving people who weren’t wearing a life jacket.
Estephany Escobar
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