Officials offer keys to a safe holiday adventure – By Riley Morningstar – SENECA – Labor Day weekend offers many opportunities to get out and enjoy the lakes and trails in Oconee County, but officials say safety preparations are also important.

“Plan ahead. If you know for sure that your are going hiking, make sure you know the length of the trail,” Oconee parks, recreation and tourism director Phil Shirley said : “Make sure you’re planning to stay hydrated. If you are going out on the water, make sure you’ve got all your life vests and safety equipment on the boat. Other than that, it’s supposed to be nice weather, and we jut want everybody to get out and have a nice time.”

Oconee emergency management director Scott Krein said those enjoying the outdoors should stick to basic safety rules. “One of the things is that it’s a busy time on the lake,” he said. “It’s the last hurrah, and we want to make sure you have all of your safety equipment and make sure – because it’s August – weather on the lake can change. Be prepared watching the weather and get off the lake if the storms come in, because it gets so rough.”

Cpl. Jonathan Hodge talks with John Bellotti during a routine safety check on Lake Keowee on Friday afternoon near South Cove.

Summer’s ‘last hurrah’