Authorities from the Acworth Police Department are quoted by AJC.com as saying Thomas King, 55, of Marietta, perished on Lake Acworth on Sunday, July 29, 2012, while using a paddle board without wearing a life jacket.  The paddle board was rented from a local sporting goods store.

Mr. King’s body was retrieved from the lake near South Shore Park on Ragsdale Road just after 1:30 PM Sunday afternoon, following emergency calls about a man on a paddle board who had gone underwater.

Emergency personnel from the Cobb County Fire Department found Mr. King’s body after searching for a half-hour.  Rescuers from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Army Corp of Engineers also responded.

Lake Acworth is adjacent to Lake Allatoona.

Swimming alone is hazardous for all swimmers, without regard to experience or fitness.  Fatigue, cramps, waves, heat and many other factors can quickly turn an enjoyable swim into a fight for life.

Click Here for Swimming Safety Tips from the DNR

Click Here for AJC.com Story