The

ON LAKE

JUNE 26, 2016

LAKE HICKORY
RIVERWALK
PA G E 4

LAKE JAMES
S TAT E PA R K
PA G E 6

LAKE JAMES
PA G E 8

L A K E h ickory
PA G E 1 2 & 1 5

M A R I O N L A K E C LU B
PA G E 1 6

ALSO SAFETY TIPS

INSIDE

The

PA G E 2

ON LAKE

L ake T a h o m a

2 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16

seclu d e d

L ake T a h o m a
h as a ric h h istory
From Staff Reports

McDowell Countys Lake
Tahoma is rich in history, beauty
and its on mystery.

The area, once a prime location
for swimming, competitive boat
racing, dancing and nightlife, now
plays a quieter role.

Built in 1924 through the
damming of both Little Buck and
Buck creeks, the 300-acre lake was
the idea of J. Quince Gilkey, George
Chatman and A.M. Kistler.

With the intention of a private
lake club setting, the businessmen
had a master plan that included
a large clubhouse or casino to

accommodate live music, dancing

and formal events, a 40-room hotel
and sandy beach area for water
activities. Most plans came to fruition
aside from the hotel and club
members enjoyed the roaring 20s at
this pristine location surrounded by
Pisgah National Forest.

The social location came to
an abrupt end however, in 1929 as
a direct effect of the stock market
crash. The area was abandoned
for years, aside from serving as
an amusement park for a stint in
the 30s, but again sought after in
1945 with the formation of Lake

Tahoma Corporation a 50-member

stockholder group, who put popular
summertime activities back on
schedule.

Today, as equal in beauty as
it was some 80 years ago, Lake
Tahoma, which means Mountain
Lake of God, is now a secluded
residential location featuring
upscale homes and its own private
community. Speed boats and jet skis
are not permitted on this fishermans
haven, which features only four miles
of shoreline.

The dams hydroelectric power
is utilized by Duke Energy.

And thats not all. The area
even comes with its own ghost
haunt -- or so its been rumored.
As legend goes, many years ago a
pregnant teen plunged to her death
off the dam on prom night to avoid
facing others in her shameful
predicament. Some say her ghost
continues to haunt the obstruction
and can be tested out at night by
placing a set of car keys on the hood
of a vehicle while passing through
the area. If the keys disappear while
in route, youve been visited by the
ghost of Lake Tahoma.

Lake Tahoma means Mountain Lake of God.

Lake Tahoma features just four miles of shoreline, but thats enough for the lucky folks who call the
area their own.

The dam at Lake Tahoma, one of the iconic sites in McDowell County, provides hydroelectric power.

Lake Tahoma is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the region.

6.26.16

On The Lake Morganton.com McDowellNews.com HickoryRecord.com 3

The casino is one of the special

features of Lake Tahoma, hosting
many social events over the years.

We
Finance
No
Interest

Free
Estimates!

10
City Shoe Repair / Cobbler Shop

828-324-0871

BEST FLOORING STORE

291 1st Ave. SE Hickory, NC 28602

CAROLINA
INSULATION, LLC
Owners Mark Propst and
Patti Propst Fairchild

(828) 256-5958
carolinainsllc@embarqmail.com
We install Fiberglass Insulation into walls,
floors, and overhead areas.

in Catawba County

Midway
Carpet
Distributors, Inc

Hardwood, Laminate, Carpet, Ceramic Tile, VCT, LVT

444th
Celebrating Our

1525 NW Blvd Newton

midwaycarpetdist.com

828-465-1033

MATERIALS & LABOR

GUARANTEED

1972-2016

Come enjoy a day

on Lake Hickory
All you need to bring is yourself
and we will provide everything else.

81 Marina Drive
Hickory, NC 28601

828-495-8181

SunTracker Party Barge

Alumacraft Fishing Boat

Full Day $295

Full Day $185 | Day $100

Crest Tritoon

Sea Swirl Deck Boat

Full Day $295 | Day $200

Full Day $300

*Fuel Not Included

4 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16

L ake Hickory

Conceptual drawing.

Conceptual drawing.

Conceptual drawing.

6.26.16

On The Lake Morganton.com McDowellNews.com HickoryRecord.com 5

L ake Hickory
riverwalk
will inclu d e a

an d re d evelope d park in t h e upco m ing years

Many of the communities with
which Hickory competes for jobs
and people have found ways to
make their water a competitive
asset. Hickory is blessed with a
wonderful lake and river, but the
community has not yet used the
lake for economic development.
By building a Riverwalk, along the
river that begins at the planned
overhaul of Geitner-Rotary Park, the
City will create a unique destination
in the region. This will provide
public access to the lake, and an
attractive area for future shopping,
entertainment, and residential
development. A Riverwalk would
spur new retail jobs and residential
growth.

Conceptual drawing.

The Riverwalk is designed to
have substantial pedestrian access,
letting people view and experience
the water, as they make their way
along the Riverwalk. It also includes
the development of a recreation/
entertainment area near the Highway
321 bridge. The exact type and
use of this space will be determined
by the Riverwalk Subcommittee,
which is part of the Citys Bond
Implementation Commission, with
the help of professional designers.

The Riverwalks boardwalk and
path is slated to be roughly three
miles that run along Lake Hickory,
through the City parks. One point
will start at the proposed Deidra
Lackey Memorial Park, which is the

current Geitner-Rotary Park. The

park redevelopment is to include
a conservatory, a lake house, an
entertainment amphitheater on the
water, and a tree-canopy walking
path, all which comes from a
monetary donation by the Robert
Lackey family. The other point of the
Riverwalk begins at the Highway 321
bridge, which is slated for renovation
through the North Carolina
Department of Transportation in the
upcoming years.

The Riverwalk is a
comprehensive water front trail
system. The City wanted to develop
an artful system that is expressive
and inspiring, increase connectivity
to existing points of interest, and

make the southern portion of the

Riverwalk a destination space.

Some of the concepts include
a combination concrete path and
deck section over the water, low
level pedestrian lights, including
architectural character into the railing
and decking, and overlooks that will
have backless benches for best full
visual ability that will match the rails.

The final recommendation
that was approved by the Bond
Commission and City Council is
a combination of a boardwalk at
the lake that transitions into the
surrounding landscape and is
budgeted at $8.5 million. For the
next year, the City will be in the
design phase of this project.

6 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16

LAKE JAMES
S TAT E PA R K
Diving into N ature

P ark a d d s m ore water ,

ca m p activities for visitors
By BRIANNE FLEMING
News Herald Correspondent

A picturesque view of the mountains

is the backdrop for the many
activities at Lake James State Park.
Lisa Wall/The News Herald

After almost 30 years of being
one of the most renowned state
parks in North Carolina, Lake James
is proud of how far it has come and
where it will be in the future.

From offering traditional summer
activities to adding something new
year after year, Lake James State
Park is all about providing as many
nature-related outlets as possible for
people to dive into.

Park Superintendent Nora Coffey
said North Carolina State Park system
is celebrating its 100th anniversary
this year, and Lake James State Park
is going on 30 years as well.

Coffey said there are many things
to enjoy about visiting the park,
including all of the activities for water
lovers, such as boat tours, swimming,
fishing and canoeing and kayaking.

I think in general, people enjoy
spending time on and around the
water, she said. From taking in the
beautiful lake and mountain views to
boating on the lake.

The newest activity offered is
stand-up paddle boarding rentals,
Coffey said. Friends of Lake James
State Park, a nonprofit organization,
purchased two paddle boards last
year so they could test renting them
out. They became very popular and
there are now four paddle boards
available for rent.

We need to evolve with the
times, and I think were doing a
good job at that by offering new and
exciting opportunities for folks, she
said. (Its also about) offering healthy
and active things for folks to do
keeping them outdoors and close
to nature is important for physical
health, and the lake has many
opportunities for that.

With its 6,812-acre reservoir,
Lake James offers everything from
numerous campsites to unique
wildlife sightings while on the water.

Visiting the park allows people to
get a glimpse of some creatures they
may not normally see, Coffey said.
Eagle sightings are pretty common
on the lake, as well as osprey

sightings. There is a blue heron

rookery, and an eagle nest on the
lake, too.

One of the coolest things that I
think I have seen that I wasnt really
expecting was river otters, Coffey
said of being on the water. People
who are paddling have a good
opportunity to see river otters.

There are some unique
opportunities to see wildlife while on
the lake.

Coffey said that 30 boat-in
campsites were opened last August,
where people can park their boat and
camp right along the lakeshore. There
are three separate areas one has
eight sites, one as 10 and another
has 12. It has been convenient for
visitors to be able to have their boat
right next to their campsite.

A third new campground also
was opened last month, and there
are now 33 drive-in tent campsites,
Coffey said. This allows people
to park their vehicles next to their
campsite, instead of having to carry
all of their belongings from the
parking lot.

This time last year, we started
out with 20 campsites, she said.
This year, we have 83.

These new additions have been
extremely popular, with all campsites
being reserved on holiday weekends,
Coffey said. Its best to make
reservations as early as possible.

Thanks to the help of numerous
nature-focused organizations, Lake
James has expanded a great amount
in 30 years, Coffey said.

Weve done such a great job at
adding facilities quickly to keep up
with the public, she said. And its
obvious that people want this park
here.

Lake James State Park is located
at 6883 N.C. Highway 126, Nebo, NC
28761.

For reservations, call 877-7226762 or visit www.ncparks.gov. For
more information, call the park at 828584-7728 or visit www.ncparks.gov/
lake-james-state-park.

Blue Heron: A blue heron overlooks the water at Lake James State Park.

On The Lake Morganton.com McDowellNews.com HickoryRecord.com 7

6.26.16

sport fish that inhabit

L ake
james

Cell 828-442-8585
Office 828-659-SELL

Rhonda Silver
REALTOR
& BROKER

rhondarealestate@yahoo.com

rhondasilver1.point2agent.com

35 West Henderson Street Marion, NC 28752

Own your own island with 5.178 acres

Black Crappie
$

Blue Catfish

840,000

LOT 1

Bluegill

1.78 acres Waterfront with views - dockable per seller

Bullhead Catfish

295,000

LOT 2

Channel Catfish

1.78 acres Waterfront with boat slip

Carp

250,000

Flathead Catfish
Largemouth Bass
Muskellunge
Redbreast Sunfish

Largemouth bass. US FISH AND WILDLIFE | WIKIPEDIA

bank for all

your mortgage needs

Rock Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Walleye

Learn why were the

for you.
Contact Eric Schumacher with any questions
or to begin the mortgage loan process today.

White Bass

Eric Schumacher
eric.schumacher@community1.com
201 E. Meeting Street, Morganton, NC 28655
m. 828.409.1879

White Crappie
White Perch
Yellow Perch

LOT 3

1.61 acres Waterfront with views - dockable per seller

NMLS ID: 912136

community1.com

295,000

Lake James contain 10.2 square miles of surface area

and more than 150 miles of shoreline. Most of the
non-developed area around Lake James is owned by
Crescent Resources, LLC. Lake James allows jet skis,
and encourages fishing and camping in designated
areas. Abundant wildlife can be seen while boating in
this scenic area with views of surrounding mountains,
Table Rock, Grandfather Mountain, and Hawksbill.
Lake James State Park is located on the lakes southern
shore. Crescent Resources worked with the State of
North Carolina and Foothills Conservancy of NC in
2004 to expand the state park, adding 3,000 acres to
the parks original 605 acres. This now represents
North Carolinas largest waterfront State Park. There
are many miles of water to swim in, tube, ski, etc.
In 1992 Lake James was a filming site for the Daniel
Day-Lewis movie The Last of the Mohicans, where it

doubled as Lake George, New York and a replica of

Fort William Henry was constructed. A backdrop of
Lake James was used for the final scenes of the movie
The Hunt for Red October (film).
In the fall of 2006, the first of 3.5 miles of new
pathways on the Overmountain Victory National
Historic Trail (OVNHT) was certified by the National
Park Service. The trail, which received its historic
designation from President Jimmy Carter in 1980,
commemorates the march of the Overmountain
Men, a patriot militia who defeated the British at the
Battle of Kings Mountain during the Revolutionary
War. The new section of the trail runs through the
1780 community, which is named after the year the
militia marched through the Lake James area. Plans
have been discussed to connect the OVNHT to the
Mountains-to-Seas Trail.

LAKE JAMES OUTDOORS

Now offering Boat Floaters

Sales &
Service
In Stock

8 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16

L ake J a m es
a jewel for McDowell, Burke

Work began on impoundment

100 years ago

From Staff Reports

Located in both McDowell and
Burke, Lake James has had such a
profound impact on both counties that
today it is very difficult to imagine the
foothills area without it.

But Lake James was not always
here. It was built over a seven-year
period beginning in 1916, a century
ago this year. The reservoir was
created for the purpose of producing
hydroelectric power. Both the Catawba
and Linville rivers feed into it. The
work to build Lake James required the
construction of three dams: Linville,
Paddy Creek and Catawba. Linville
Dam is 160 feet high and 1,325 feet
long. Paddy Creek Dam is 165 feet
high and 1,610 feet long. Catawba
Dam is 150 feet high and 3,155 feet
long, according to the Web site for
Duke Energy.

The construction of the lake also
required the building of a special
railroad to transport equipment and
supplies. Steam shovels were used in
the construction process.

The community of Fonta Flora
existed along the Linville River before
Lake James was built. It even had its
own post office. When the lake was
built, this community was covered by
the waters.

Lake James was named for
James Buchanan Duke, the tobacco
industrialist who is credited or
blamed for making cigarettes
popular worldwide. But the Duke family
had other business interests and one
of those was electrical power.

At the beginning of the 20th
century, James B. Duke organized
the American Development Co.
to acquire land and water rights
on the Catawba River. In 1904, he
established the Catawba Power
Co. and the following year he and
his brother founded the Southern
Power Co., which became known
as Duke Power, the predecessor to
Duke Energy. The company supplied
electrical power to the Duke familys
textile factory and within two decades,
their power facilities were greatly
expanded and they were supplying
electricity to more than 300 cotton
mills and other industrial companies.
Duke Power established an electrical
grid that supplied cities and towns
in the Piedmont region of North and
South Carolina, according to Dukes
Wikipedia biography.

James B. Duke also created the
Duke Endowment. The small Trinity
College in Durham was renamed as
Duke University.

For almost a century, the lake that
bears his first name has straddled
the McDowell-Burke county line.
Lake James has a surface area of
approximately 6,812 acres, with 150
miles of shoreline. Full pond elevation
is 1,200 feet.

For many years, folks in McDowell
and Burke counties enjoyed spending
time on the lake. It was easily
accessible for boating and fishing
or hiking and camping along the
shoreline.

Lake James State Park became
one of the most recent additions to
the North Carolina system of parks.
A result of strong local support
and the efforts of area legislative
delegations, Lake James State Park
was established in 1987 by the N.C.
General Assembly. Funds were
appropriated for the purchase of 565
acres of land and for the initial phase
of facility development. Lake James
was the first park in the states history
to receive funds for development and
operation upon its acquisition, reads
the parks Web site.

But in recent decades, more
housing developments were built along
the lake. Many long-time residents
feared that these expensive homes
could result in making Lake James
less accessible to those of average
means. They were concerned Lake
James would become a private place
that is available only to the wealthy.

In August 2004, Gov. Mike Easley
announced the states purchase of
2,915 acres in Burke County to create
a new Lake James State Park nearly
six times bigger than the previous one.
At the time, Easley said this larger park
would protect key natural resources,
boost tourism and recreational
opportunities for both McDowell and
Burke counties.

The Lake James State Park
expansion, from its current 605 acres
to more than 3,500 acres, will bring
jobs to the region and protect the
areas scenic beauty, Easley said

The view of Shortoff Mountain

from Lake James. WIKIPEDIA

Lake James contains 10.2 square miles of surface area and more than 150 miles of shoreline.

Lake James is popular for boaters and Jet Skiers.

to The McDowell News in August

2004. This expansion will connect
public lands and trails and help to
promote tourism and recreational
opportunities.

At the August 2004 news
conference at the Linville Access Area,
Easley and Art Fields, president and
chief executive officer of Crescent
Resources, signed an agreement
to sell the 2,915 acres of land to the
state for the new park. Crescent was
the land development portion of Duke
Energy. To help speed up the process,
Crescent made a one-time gift of
$12.25 million to the state.

This resulted in the newer Paddys
Creek section of Lake James State
Park, which attracts even more visitors.
Lake James has also been featured in
major Hollywood productions. The last
scene of The Hunt for Red October
used the lake as a backdrop. This
1990 hit film starred Sean Connery and
Alec Baldwin.

The lake was displayed much
more prominently on the big screen a
couple of years later with the release
of The Last of the Mohicans. This
historical epic, starring Daniel DayLewis, Madeline Stowe and Russell
Means, was filmed at Lake James
during the summer of 1991. The
making of this movie required the
closing of the Linville Access Area,
the construction of a huge wooden
fort on a nearby hilltop and employing
hundreds of extras and film crew
people.

6.26.16

On The Lake Morganton.com McDowellNews.com HickoryRecord.com 9

S afety tips
for outdoor enthusiasts
Metro Creative

When participating in water

sports like rafting, adults and
children alike should wear
flotation devices at all times.

Outdoor enthusiasts typically cannot wait to get outside
and make the most of a beautiful day. But in their haste to enjoy
the great outdoors, men and women can easily overlook safety
precautions that protect them from potential hazards.

Though its easy to get excited about a sunny day, its important
for outdoor enthusiasts to take safety seriously. No matter your
activity, always bring adequate sunscreen to protect your skin from
the sun, and remember to bring enough water to stay hydrated
throughout the day. In addition to packing sunscreen and water,
outdoor enthusiasts can employ various additional safety methods
depending on which activity they choose to enjoy.

Cycling

Cyclists must always be on alert for those with whom they are
sharing the road. While many motorists respect cyclists, there are
some who see cyclists as a nuisance, and such motorists may
drive recklessly around cyclists in an attempt to scare them off the
road. Cyclists are oftentimes at the mercy of motorists, so it pays
to stay as attentive as possible. Never listen to an MP3 player or
another music player while riding a bike. Such a distraction could
prove deadly if it takes your attention away from the road. Alertness
is important when cycling, as are the following precautionary
measures:
Always wear a helmet
and reflective clothing
that makes it easy for
motorists to see you.
Obey the traffic laws.
Always ride with traffic.
Inspect your bicycle
and address any
mechanical issues
before each ride.

Hiking

When the weather permits, few activities combine the benefits
of physical activity with the aesthetic appeal of nature as well as
hiking does. Hikers should never hike on poorly developed trails or
trails that are too difficult for them to handle, and they should have
at least a basic understanding of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Always share your route with friends or family members before
embarking on a hiking trip. This protects you if you should get lost
or injured and you need a rescue team to find you. Hikers should
also pack the following supplies before hitting the trails:
Compass

Flashlight and extra

batteries
Whistle and signal
mirror
Map of the park that
includes the trails you
plan to hike
Waterproof matches
First aid kit
Blanket

Inline skating and skateboarding

Inline skating and skateboarding are popular activities for
adults and children alike. But even though you may associate such
activities with your childhood, that does not mean the risk of injury
is insignificant. In fact, even seasoned skateboarders and veteran
inline skaters have suffered broken bones or head injuries while
skateboarding or skating. Proper attire is essential for skaters and
skateboarders hoping to prevent injury, so be sure to wear the
following gear the next time you hit the half-pipe or go skating by the
boardwalk:
Helmet
Knee pads
Wrist guards
Elbow pads

Water sports

Water attracts the sun, so its imperative that anyone planning
to spend ample time on or around the water take steps to protect
their skin. Wear appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen with a
minimum sun protection factor of 15.

Never take to the water after you have consumed alcohol.
Alcohol can dull your senses, making you less likely to recognize a
dangerous situation should one present itself.

If you plan on entering the water, always enter feet first and do
your best to avoid swimming alone. When you employ the buddy
system while swimming, you are ensuring there is someone there to
help you should you begin to struggle or to alert lifeguards or other
safety personnel should something go awry.

If you to plan to fish on a boat, let your loved ones staying
behind on land know where you plan to fish so they can share this
information with authorities if your boat has problems or you dont
return on time. While on the boat, always wear a flotation device and
make sure the boat is not running as you board and dismount.

The great outdoors can be enjoyed throughout the year. But
outdoor enthusiasts will have a much better time if they take the
necessary steps to reduce their risk of injury.

10 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16

SUMMER SPECIAL
new price $299,900

1021 12TH AVE DR, NW HICKORY

New Construction 4 BR, 2.5 BA, Master Suite on Lower Level, Low Maintenance Exterior,
Covered Front Porch w/Stamped Concrete. Covered & Screened Back Deck, overlooks Pond Feature.
Kitchen w/Custom Cabinets & Granite. $299,900
Seller will include a $1,500 open allowance towards buyers closing costs or a refrigerator.
Marketed by: Donna Austin Team 828-310-4899

directions: 12th Ave NW, turn into Waterstone (10th St Pl NW), make right on 12th Ave
Dr NW, home on left, see sign.

127 First Avenue NE Hickory, NC

(828)-310-4899

BOYD & H AS SE LL , I NC .,
RE AL TO RS

donna.austin@coldwellbanker.com
Each office independently owned and operated.

Dont simply retire

from something; have
something to retire to.
- Harry Emerson Fosdick

652.3797
125 South Main Street Marion
www.realtygroup1.com

139 SUMMERTIME DRIVE

Largest Stocking Dealer in the Carolinas

Fantastic Waterfront LAKE JAMES Living:

Remodeled LR w/ FP, 2 BR, 2 Full BA, 2 Half BA;
Cottage, Covered dock w/ boat lift, Located in
good cove close to main channel.
$

515,000

For more information, call Mike Rabb @ 828-442-6502

Full Service
Scuba Center

Marina

842 Ocean Hwy W. (Hwy 17),

Supply, NC 28462

910-755-7900
www.anglersmarinenc.com

Boat Shop

On The Lake Morganton.com McDowellNews.com HickoryRecord.com 11

6.26.16

W h y S cuba Diving

For 28 years, I have
been exploring the
underwater world, and
every time I go under,
I see something new.
Whether I am ice diving
under 4 feet of ice in
the upper regions of the
Adirondacks Mountains,
in upstate New York,
spear fishing and lobster
diving in the Florida
Keys, or going after local
treasures at the sandbar
here on Lake Hickory,
the ability to see and
experience what only a
few select people get to
see puts a smile on my
face every time.

As humans, we are
born with lungs in our
chest and not gills on our
necks. The very thought
of going underwater and
surviving defies the rules
and physics of reality.
But as scuba divers,
we do just that. 70% of
the earth is covered by
water and only a small
handful of people, us
scuba divers, are blessed
enough to explore it.
As we stick our heads
under the water, the other
70% of the world comes
alive, and we begin to
drift away into a whole
new world. From the
majestic beauties of the
coral reefs that surround

the most pristine tropical

island, to the small lakes
and quarries that our
local divers explore, each
has a sense of solitude
and relaxation that we
all seek. Our very own
Lake Hickory holds many
artifacts from history and
each of those artifacts
tells a story from the past.
Being able to descend
into the abyss and study
these artifacts reminds us
just how small we are in
this world.

Scuba diving teaches
us many disciplines,
and takes dedication
to become proficient.
But when you are down
below the surface,
and your buoyancy is
spot on, you become
weightless and can hover
in suspended animation.
The feeling of being in
space (underwater),
weightless and free,
calms our souls, as
we seamlessly move
through the water. For
the younger divers, they
compare it to being a
Super Hero with the
ability of flight. Gliding
over the bottom of the
lake, neutrally buoyant
is the closest we will
ever be to flying like
Superman. Let alone
the ability to breathe

Lake Hickory Scuba & Marina

Bryan Stafford Co-owner / Course Director
CMAS 3* Course Director
PDIC / SEI Instructor Trainer 201960 / 004141
SSI Dive Control Specialist Instructor 70411
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer 241401
Public Safety Diving Instructor 241401 / 201960 / 70411
Under Water Criminal Investigator Instructor 201960
American Heart Association Instructor 11140286042
Emergency First Response Instructor 241401
React Right Instructor 70411

underwater, Aquaman
has nothing on us scuba
divers.

Becoming a scuba
diver is a lot easier
than many think, and
only takes a few days
to become certified.
Unlike a drivers license
where you have to
renew it every so many
years, our certification
is a lifetime certification.
Once a diver, always
a diver. Compared
to other sports and
recreation, scuba diving
is very inexpensive. The
equipment is considered
life support equipment,
but if taken maintained,
will last for many years.
Proper maintenance
is key to keeping the
equipment in good
working order. The
training today compared
to the training dating
all the way back to the
1950s has become
easier; however, it is
still focused on safety
for the diver. With
all the technological
advancements in the
equipment, divers are
over 100 times more
safe scuba diving than
they are driving their car
to the dive site.

Still not sure if scuba
diving is for you? The

Care For Children Instructor 241401

NC Emergency Medical Technician P092884
lakehickoryscuba@gmail.com
www.lakehickoryscuba..com
www.facebook.com/lakehickoryscuba
www.youtube.com/user/lakehickoryscuba
https://twitter.com/lhscuba
www.pinterest.com/LHSCUBA
828-632-7649 (shop)
828-632-7647 (fax)
828-244-0465 (cell)

Lake living at its finest

Your lake property search starts here!

291 Waters Edge Drive
Pre-Construction Open Floor Plan

$449,900

1999 - Donald A. Gardner, Inc.

3 BR, 2 BA home on
2.145 acres in The Arbor.
Features include great
room w/ cathedral ceilings,
gas fireplace, formal dining
room, flex room, attached
2 car garage. Final house
plans have to be approved
by the Architectural Review
Committee. Call today
to get more details and
to start your wonderful
journey to owning your new
home.

Lot in Bear Cliff Subdivision

$69,900
Build your year round or vacation
home on this nice lot. 1.598 acres
in Bear Cliff at Lake James that has
many amenities including a new
marina with general store/restaurant,
hiking trails, camping area, leased
boat slips and views. This subdivision
offers wonderful views of ShortOff
Mountain, Dobsons Knob and many
other distant mountain ranges in all
directions. Call today and get this
great lot before it is too late!

Try Scuba program may

be the first step for you.
This is an intro to Scuba
Diving class that gives
you a taste of freedom
underwater. Its a one
on one course that lets
you dive in controlled
environment, usually
done in a local pool
setting, just to see if
you like it. After that
we can teach over 100
different courses. Who
knows? The passion
may drive you enough
to even become a
Scuba Instructor
one day. So take
the plunge, become
certified, and
LETS GO DIVING.

Buckles Wallets
Handbags Belts
Jewelry
3109 Sulphur Springs Rd NE
Hickory, NC

828-256-8200

Agency Owner

Covering all your insurance

needs Home, Auto, and Boat

Paul Mears & Associates

828-874-2186 | Fax #828-874-3063
mearsp@nationwide.com

NOW
OPEN
Cigar Lounge
McRary Tobacco
& Smoke Shop
Loose Tobacco
Chewing Tobacco
Snuff
E-Cigs
Cigarettes
Dip

Cigars
Vapes
Humidors
Nubs
Smokers
Specialty Items

Beautiful Lots in The Arbor at Lake James

$34,900 - $99,000
Owner Financing Available

The Arbor is a gated community

on beautiful Lake James and is
the perfect place to build your
year round or vacation home.
The subdivision features lake
front pavilion area, boat docks,
boat storage area, paved roads,
underground utilities and is only
5 minutes from Lake James
State Park. Your search is over,
call today to schedule a viewing.

The Bright Side

of Real Estate

828-655-0911
Charlotte Bright
Owner/ Realtor

www.carolinabrightrealty.com
charlottebright1170@gmail.com

Premium Cigars from $2.99 to $13.00 ea.

2925 N. Center Street

Hickory 828-838-1358

www.facebook.com/mcrarytobaccoandsmokeshop

Mon-Thurs 8-8 Fri 8-9 Sat 9-6 Closed Sun

12 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16

L ake Hickory

filled with history since its creation in 1928

By KEVIN GRIFFIN
kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com

HICKORYLake Hickory has been a feature of

the community since it was initially formed in 1928
by the construction of the Oxford Dam.

It took some time after the creation of the
lake before it began to be seen as an asset for
recreation and development.

A Hickory Daily Record article from
September 1940 describes Lake Hickory as
seeing an increased interest for recreational
activities on the lake, as well as increased desire
for business development.

By the late 1950s, the lake was zoned into
recreational spaces for swimming, skiing and
boating, because of the efforts of the Lake
Hickory Water Ski Club and the Catawba Wildlife
Club, according to a Hickory Daily Record article
from 1959.

A Wildlife in North Carolina article from July
1959 described Lake Hickory as being rated one
of the states top fishing lakes, with largemouth
bass highlighted in particular.

Environmental issues also have been part of
the lakes history.
The Lake Hickory Association, a citizens group
composed of people who frequented the lake,
formed in 1980 to monitor and safeguard the
lake.

The group played a role in fighting the spread
of water primrose, a weed which threatened the
lake, in 1982. The effort included participation
from Duke Power, according to Hickory Daily
Record articles from 1982.

In 1995, between 800 and 1,000 gallons of oil
were spilled in the lake after two men drained oil
from a Duke Power substation. One of the men
was killed, and the city closed down the water
treatment center for 16 hours while working to
contain the spill, according to an Observer-News
Enterprise article from September 1995.

Today, the discussions of lake access and
environmental issues shape key discussions
about the lake.

With the approval of a $40 million bond
referendum in 2014, Hickory leaders decided to
use some of the money to develop a trail along
Lake Hickory, known as the Riverwalk Trail.

The planned trail would run for about a mile
between Geitner-Rotary Park to the Highway 321
bridge, Assistant City Manager Andrea Surratt
said.

The path would be elevated 10 to 12 feet
above the river, according to a conceptual draft
from July 2015 posted on the city website. There
would be scenic oversights at points along the
planned trail.

Eventually, the Riverwalk would connect
with another city project, the Citywalk, to allow
citizens an opportunity to access the lake, bond
commission vice chair Allison Holtzman said.

The city decided we need to make use of
this asset. We need to provide space and access
to the lake for people who dont live on the lake,
Holtzman said.

The project is in the design phase, and the
design firm will be chosen later in the summer,
Surratt said.
Between $8 and $10 million has been put aside
for the project, and the money must be used
within seven years of the bond vote, Holtzman
said.

During the design phase, there may be some
slight changes to the draft proposal, Surratt said.

While city officials look to increase lake
access, environmental groups have expressed
concerns about the state of the river.
Sam Perkins of the Catawba Riverkeeper
Foundation described the state of the river as
increasingly stressed.

We always wonder are we creeping back
toward drought status? Perkins said.

The Catawba River, of which Lake Hickory is
a part, was named most endangered river in the
country by American Rivers magazine in 2008
because of poor water management practices in
part.
Presently, two big concerns for the river are
excess nutrients from nitrogen and phosphorus
and sedimentation, Perkins said.

Excessive nitrogen and phosphorus can lead
to algal blooms, concentrations of algae in the
lake.

This, along with increased sediment, harms
the lake both aesthetically and in terms of safety,
since murkier lakes can harbor bacteria and make
it more difficult to see under the water.
In the case of sediment, regulations are often
sufficient but enforcement can be an issue,
Perkins said. With the nitrogen and phosphorus
levels, the regulations themselves are often
inadequate or nonexistent, Perkins said.

An EPA map of state criteria for phosphorus
and nitrogen levels listed North Carolina as
having no criteria for lakes and rivers. The EPA is
now pushing states to adopt standards for those
elements, Perkins said.

A key to preserving the lake is fighting the
rollback of environmental protections, as well as
pushing for increased enforcement of sediment
regulations and more regulation on nitrogen and
phosphorus levels, Perkins said.

Addressing the environmental challenges of
the river is not only critical for the health of the
river, but also for economic interests, Perkins said.

I understand how environmental efforts
can be viewed, but I want people to see the
environment and the economy as linked,
Perkins said.

The early morning sunlight highlights the rooster tail produced by a slalom skier as he slices through the calm waters on Lake Hickory. ROBERT C. REED/RECORD

People all over the Unifour area watch water pour through the gates at Oxford Dam from all the rain
created from Hurricane Frances. ROBERT C. REED/RECORD

Two people enjoy an early morning fishing trip on Lake Hickory as a skim of fog lifts off the water.
ROBERT C. REED/RECORD

A fisherman moves with the water current over the top of Rhodhiss Dam into Lake Hickory. ROBERT
C. REED/RECORD

6.26.16

On The Lake Morganton.com McDowellNews.com HickoryRecord.com 13

Tips for finding a great

su m m er rental
Metro Creative

The growth of lodging websites such as Airbnb and VRBO has
given travelers more temporary housing options than ever before. Such
sites may appeal to those vacationers who want a taste of home away
from home without having to pay potentially exorbitant hotel prices.

The cost savings of vacation rentals can be considerable,
providing more bang for budget-conscious travelers bucks. But
vacationers who have never strayed from the hotel/resort path may
be hesitant to dip their toes into the vacation rental waters. While
travelers accustomed to staying in luxury hotels may need to adjust
their expectations when booking vacation rentals, the following are
some ways to find a great vacation rental that suits you and your fellow
vacationers.
Make a list of your lodging priorities. Popular lodging and vacation
rental websites offer an array of options, so make a list of your lodging
priorities so you can find the right fit without having to peruse hundreds
of listings. If you want to save money by cooking your own meals, then
a home with a full kitchen may be your biggest priority. If beach access
tops your list, then you can save time by searching for oceanfront
homes or condos. If saving money is your biggest priority, then expand
your search to properties further away from coastal areas or homes,
but are within walking distance of local nightlife. What you sacrifice with
regard to view and convenience youll recoup in cost savings.
Dont pull the trigger too quickly. Low prices may tempt prospective
travelers, especially those accustomed to staying in expensive hotels,
to book lodging before they full vet a property. Fight the temptation to

book a rental before you have done your homework. Learn as much
about the rental as you can before booking your stay. Read reviews
of the property and carefully examine the property listing so you know
exactly what you are getting. Carefully examine any photos included
in the listing, and try to confirm that the property is not in foreclosure,
which may pose problems when youre ready to embark on your trip.
Find out as much as you can about the property owner as well. Some
are renter-friendly while others may have poor reputations.
Determine who handles any potential problems that arise during your
stay. Unlike a hotel stay when you can simply call the front desk and
request a maintenance staffer be sent up to address any problems that
arise in your room, you may be on your own in a vacation rental should
the refrigerator go on the fritz or the air conditioning unit suddenly
stop working. Determine how problems are handled before booking a
rental. Rental homes that are part of a homeowners association may
have on-site maintenance ready to respond to any issues, while homes
offered by private homeowners may come with no such benefits.
Book early if youre attending a specific event. Hotels book up
quickly on busy weekends, and so do vacation rentals. Vacation rental
prices fluctuate just like the cost of hotel rooms, so begin your search
early if you are traveling to attend a festival or another event that figures
to attract large crowds.

Vacation rentals can save travelers money, but finding the right fit
requires effort on the part of vacationers.

14 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16

Clear Creek
Realty
Wanda Wilson
Realtor /Owner

cell: 828-527-3379
office: 828-724-3402

13 years
Experience

wandawilson7@yahoo.com

Available
in Stonebrook.
Hickory, NC

Custom Home Builder | New Construction | Renovation | Additions

735 11th Ave. Blvd. SE, Hickory, NC 28602

828.327.8627 | www.swassociatesinc.com

On The Lake Morganton.com McDowellNews.com HickoryRecord.com 15

6.26.16

F un in t h e sun
at Lake Hickory
By KEVIN GRIFFIN
kgriffin@hickoryrecord.com

HICKORY In addition to five

public accesses to the lake, Lake
Hickory includes a number of
establishments catering to a variety
of recreational desires.

The establishments profiled
below show only some of the
businesses that provide recreational
opportunities on the lake.
Lake Hickory Adventures

The dinner cruise serving Lake
Hickory marked its first year of
operation in May.
In its first year, Lake Hickory
Adventures has served nearly
3,300 passengers in a boat with a
capacity of 25 to 50 people.

Hickory is Chad Burels
hometown, and his connection to
the town motivated him to start the
cruise.

I have seen the glory days of
Hickory turn into not so glory days,
and I wanted to make Hickory a
better place to live and to work. I
just have a passion for this town,
Burel said.

A financial advisor at Edward
Jones, Burel turned Lake Hickory
into a family enterprise which
includes his wife and seven children
doing various jobs aboard the boat.

The business offers both public
cruises, Saturday and every other
Friday, and private charters.

Public cruises typically last
about two hours and go from the
Lake Hickory Marina, its current
docking spot, out to the Bethlehem
bridge and back.

Private charter cruises can take
longer routes, Burel said.

A public cruise ticket costs $59
per person. The company offers
discounts for seniors, veterans,
pastors and missionaries.

The meals rotate among a set
of options, including steak and
seafood, barbecue, steak and
chicken and Italian meals.

Entertainment includes live
music as well as theme nights.
Friday night events have included
wine tastings and interactive murder
mysteries with theater companies.

In just one year, Burel has seen
the cruise experience touch many
peoples lives.
One long-time resident of the
area who celebrated her birthday
on the cruise thanked Burel for
allowing her to get out on the lake,
something she had not done been
able to do up to that point.

Going forward, Burel hopes to
keep up the experience.

One year in, it has paid its own
way, and I am thankful for that, and
I hope for an increase this year,
Burel said.

The companys website,
lakehickoryadventures.com,
provides information on scheduling
and ticket information.
Lake Hickory Scuba and
Marina

The Lake Hickory Scuba and
Marina provides patrons with an
opportunity to explore under the
water.

Were a full-service marina,
full-service boat shop, full-service
scuba center. We kinda do anything
water sports related, we do it,
owner Bryan Stafford said.

We just specialize in things
underwater, Bryan Stafford said.

The marina offers scuba
lessons and training that go beyond
just the shores of Lake Hickory. The
Staffords have traveled as far as
New York to do scuba training.

Chad Burel describes his love of being on Lake

Hickory and using his charter yacht to promote
the area. ROBERT C. REED/RECORD

Chad Burel, owner of Lake Hickory

Adventures, stands on the bow
of his 60-foot dinner cruise yacht.
ROBERT C. REED/RECORD

In addition to recreation, the
marina also does lake cleanups.

One advantage of the shops
placement at the larger end of the
lake is that the water tends to be
clearer and warmer than at other
points on the lake, Tim Stafford
said.

The marina provides a good
option for families who want to go
out and enjoy the lake, Tim Stafford,
Bryans father and the co-owner of
the business, said.

Ice cream is another specialty
of the marina.

Were the ice cream parlor
on the lake, Tim Stafford, Bryans
father and the co-owner of the
business, said.

The marinas ice cream
comes from DeLuxe Ice Cream in
Mooresville.

The Lake Hickory Scuba and
Marina is located at 420 Taylorsville
Beach Court. To learn more about
the marinas services call 828-6327649.
Sixty-Seven Lakeside pizza

Located beside the Rhodhiss
Bridge, Sixty-Seven Lakeside pizza
is the only restaurant that sits
directly on the lake.

The restaurant was established
in July 2014, the second of
three restaurants opened by
Brad Caldwell and two business
partners. The other franchises are in
Jonesville and Marion.

Its name comes from the
original restaurant in Jonesville,
which was situated on Highway 67,
Caldwell said.

Being on Lake Hickory has
allowed the restaurant to draw
business from people on the lake
as well as on land.

Docks at the back of restaurant
allow people to go from the boats
to the restaurant. In the summer, the
bottom dining area can fill up with
as many as 150 people, Caldwell
said.

The restaurant is divided into
two levels. The top level includes a
buffet, while the bottom level has
wait service and a bar. There is also
a game room on the lower level.

Pets are allowed on leashes
on the outside portion of the lower
level, and the restaurant will even
provide a water bowl, Caldwell said.

The restaurants primary fare
includes pizza, sandwiches and
wings. The food is made fresh,
with the restaurant making its own
dough and sauces, Caldwell said.

On weekends, the restaurant
features live music.
There are challenges to running
a restaurant on the lake, Caldwell
said.

Ive run four restaurants in my
life, and this is by far the biggest
challenge because it is seasonal,
Caldwell said.

In the summer, the restaurant
sees a great deal of business from
people on the lake while things slow
down in the winter months.

Insurance is another issue.
Getting insured on the lake can be
difficult given the risk of being near
water, Caldwell said.

Ultimately, being on the lake
brings a number of advantages as
well, particularly the view.
You cant sit by the water and not
have a good meal, Caldwell said.

The restaurants normal
operating hours are Tuesday
through Sunday from 11 a.m. to
10 p.m.

16 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16

M A R I O N L A K E C LU B
is McDowell s ol d est golf course
From Staff Reports

The only golf course situated on scenic Lake James,
the Marion Lake Club offers a unique golfing experience at a
reasonable price.

McDowell Countys oldest course, the Lake Club was
designed in 1923 by famed course architect Russell Breeden.
It features some spectacular views and a challenging layout.

The Lake Club is a par-70 course that plays 6,300 yards
from the back tees. Its a semi-private club with various
types of memberships available. Its signature event is the
wildly popular Oyster Roast and Texas Scramble, held every
October. The Lake Club has also hosted the McDowell
County Open Championship since 1980.

Cart and green fees for 18 holes are $32 Monday through
Friday and $41 on weekends and holidays. The club also
runs specials during the summer.

For more information, call 828-652-6232, or visit the
clubs website at www.marionlakeclub.com.

Downtown Lenoir, NC

July 8 & 9, 2016

LISA GRIFFIN, Broker

3053 NC 126, Morganton NC

TERRELLS
BOAT YARD

Main Street Downtown Lenoir

Friday July 8th PRE-HEAT PARTY
6-10 pm BlackBERRy Garden on the Square
in Lenoir - featuring local Caldwell County breweries.
6 pm Blackberry Princess Pageant Preliminaries
7 pm Front Porch Pickin Competition
7 pm Blackberry Recipe Contests
8:30 pm Glow Run 5K and Fun Run

Saturday July 9th - FESTIVAL 10 am

10 am NC Blackberry Princess Pageant Finals
10:30 - 3 Blackberry Festival Blood Drive
11:15 am Youth & Adult Eating Contests
Noon Presentation of Colors Ceremony
12:15 pm Colossal Cobbler Parade Brigade
12:30 pm Worlds Largest Patchwork of
Blackberry Cobbler - FREE cobbler while
supplies last!

1-4 pm Live Music On The Square

12:45 - Shelby Rae Moore
2:00 - Tyler Cannon Trio
3:15 - Love Like This Music

Plus - Vendors, Food, Childrens Activities,

Blackberries and MORE

Its a BERRY good time!

www.NCBlackberryFestival.com

Thank you for voting us for

Best Boat Repair &
Boat Storage
in McDowell County!
Storage Service
Maintenance Repair
2528 Hankins Road
Marion, NC

AL TERRELL
828-659-8800

TERRELLSBOATYARD.COM

SUMMER TIME IS HERE!

We have paddle board,

kayak and canoe rentals.
5803 Icard Ridge Rd., Hickory, NC 28601

828-495-8833

6.26.16

On The Lake Morganton.com McDowellNews.com HickoryRecord.com 17

Wakeboar ding
is a growing sport
Metro Creative

With minimal gear and

admission to a cable wakeboard
park, enthusiasts can try out
their skills on the water.

Water enthusiasts take to rivers, lakes and
oceans for scores of different marine activities.
The popularity of water sports has exploded,
including a growing interest in wakeboarding.

Wakeboarding is an activity where a person
is pulled behind a motorboat at about 20 to
24 miles per hour. Instead of water skiing, the
boarder uses a single board that resembles a
snowboard, though wakeboards are shorter
than snowboards and slightly wider. The feet are
bound to the board with either straps or a bootlike device so that the board will not fly off of the
feet while doing tricks.
Statistics indicate that there are more than 3.1
million wakeboarders across the globe. Roughly
75 percent of wakeboarders are males ages 13
to 24. Wakeboarding has become the fastestgrowing water sport.

An offshoot of traditional boat-propelled
wakeboarding is cable wakeboarding. This
is where the wakeboarder is attached to a
permanent, overhead ski lift-type cable that
stretches across a body of water and connects
to fixed towers. The cable pulls the wakeboarder
to ramps where he or she can execute tricks.

Wakeboarding, particularly cable
wakeboarding, has become so popular that
it may someday qualify for inclusion in the
Olympics. While currently part of the X-Games
& Gravity Games, the International Olympic
Committee announced cable wakeboarding as
one of eight new sports being considered for the
2020 Summer Olympic Games.

The rise in cable parks is also notable. There
are two wakeboard cable parks in Canada and
roughly 30 in the United States. Individuals can
purchase passes to enjoy the park at a fraction
of the cost of renting a boat and refueling.

Wakeboarding is an adventurous water
activity that seems to be here to stay. Now may
be the time to try your hand at wakeboarding and
see if this water sport can become one of your
new favorite summer activities.

18 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16

swi m m ing
more than just
a recreational activity
Metro Creative

_tt [u~

^t fv{v~x

`|v{tx fxxx

laraholbrook@earthlink.net

kayschmucker@earthlink.net

michaelsteele11@yahoo.com

828-302-3073

828-381-8693

828-302-3640

Knowledge Base + Experience = Success

Many people view swimming as
a purely recreational activity, but the
health benefits of swimming should not
be overlooked.

Swimming is a great way to get
fit, providing great cardiovascular
exercise thats easy on the joints.
Swimming engages a variety of muscle
groups, making it a great way to get a
complete workout. The following are
some additional benefits of including
swimming as part of your exercise
regimen.

When swimming, muscles are
worked hard, which can help build
strength. Much of that work can be
traced to the fact that water is far more
resistant than air, forcing a body in water
to work harder to move than it would if it
were walking on solid ground.
Water buoyancy can enable people
to do exercises that would be jarring on
land. In water, roughly 90 percent of the
body is buoyant. That means working
out in the water will put less strain on

the knees and hips when it comes

to performing high-impact jumping
exercises.
Swimming is a great cardiovascular
workout. Swimming can elevate the
heart rate to an optimal level and work
the lungs, too. Pushing oneself harder
and harder can help to burn calories
and lead to weight loss.
Just about every muscle is used
when a body is swimming. Swimming
targets the shoulders, back, arms, legs,
hips, and gluteals without requiring
complicated workout equipment.
Swimming may help improve
coordination, balance and posture.
Swimming also may promote greater
flexibility by stretching the body through
fluid movements.

NORTHWEST HICKORY
4260 4th St Ln NW
1.18 Acres

$449,000

5 Miles to Downtown

104 Bridge Pointe Ln

.72 Acres

$129,000

OLIVER'S LANDING
Golf Course Community

216 Charlotte Ann Ln

.71 Acres 3 Beds 2.5 Baths

$495,000

BETHLEHEM
198 Clouse Ln
.49 Acres 2 Beds 1 Bath

$129,900

Selling Hickory-Metro Since 1977

While swimming is often considered

a relaxing activity tailor-made for
warm summer days, it also provides a
complete and demanding workout that
can benefit the body in a variety of ways

THIN

FOR
LIFE

^t fv{v~x gxt
www.KaySchmucker.com

NE W
BRF
Technology

Hickory

d
e
v
l
o
S
s
s
o
L
t
h
Weig
BIGGEST BREAKTHROUGH
SINCE THE DISCOVERY OF THE CALORIE!
LEARN ABOUT
THIS UNIQUE
FAT LOSS SYSTEM
THAT IS CUSTOM
PLANNED JUST
FOR YOU

We each gain weight differently

due to hormones

Using the BRF Technology...We target your hormone

imbalance and solve your weight loss challenges!
It is the most advanced biocommunication instrument to help you lose that stubborn
weight, naturally, quickly, easily and keep it off permanently. Our BRF technology is
designed to measure your bodys frequencies and create a specific plan for you to keep
it in the optimal FAT BURNING ZONE by determining the specific needs for your toxic
load that is preventing optimal fat burning and specific nutrients to promote optimal
hormones and neurotransmitters for fat loss.

912 Third Ave. NW Hickory, NC

CALL US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

888-363-6263

BETHLEHEM

www.facebook.com/drrussellthinforlife

LOSE 20-45 lbs

40

in

days

IMPROVED

Appearance
Complexion
Body
Structure

DECREASED

Diabetes
Cholesterol
Blood Pressure
Sleep Apnea
Thyroid Issues
I lost 30 pounds in 40 days.
I tried many other programs
and ended up frustrated
and giving up. This plan was
phenomenal. I feel great.
I was never tired and I have
all sorts of energy. I highly
recommend it. Its an easy
way to lose weight and
keep it off. -Margaret B.
Thin for Life changed my
approach to weight loss. In
forty days, I lost 26 pounds;
more importantly, I reset my
metabolism. The program
provides simple techniques
to reverse the yoyo effect
of other plans that I have
tried. Six months later, I
am maintaining the weight
loss. -Margaret R.

6.26.16

On The Lake Morganton.com McDowellNews.com HickoryRecord.com 19

T ec h ni q ues
to help a child learn to swim
Metro Creative

Teaching a child to swim can enable
him or her to enjoy a life filled with fun in and
around the water. It is also one of the ways
to prevent water-related injuries or death.
Water safety is nothing to take lightly. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
note that in 2007 there were 3,443 fatal
unintentional drownings in the United States,
averaging 10 deaths per day. An additional
496 people died from drowning and other
causes in boating-related incidents. Also,
more than one in five fatal drowning victims
are children ages 14 and younger. Although
teaching a child to swim does not negate the
necessity to carefully watch young children
whenever they are around water, it does offer
a measure of safety. A boy or girl who knows
how to swim may be able to prevent an injury
or get out of harms way better than one who
is floundering in the water. In fact, the CDC
recommends it as one method of preventing
water-related injuries.

Teaching kids to swim requires some
patience and general knowledge of
swimming techniques. Parents or caregivers
unsure about their teaching abilities can
enroll their children in swimming courses
offered in their towns and cities. Adults
choosing to teach swimming on their own
can try these techniques.

1. Start with teaching the child to blow

bubbles out of his mouth and nose. This
teaches the youngster how to prevent water
from being inhaled. With only his or her
mouth and nose under the water, the child
can blow out and create bubbles. Once this
technique is mastered, he or she may be less
frightened about water going up the nose.
2. Have the child hold onto the side of the
pool or a floatation device if out on a lake or
in the ocean. The child should extend his or
her legs outward and practice floating and
kicking. Begin by kicking any which way,
eventually evolving to a control kick once he
or she is more comfortable.
3. The next step is to practice a few strokes.
A breast stroke may offer more propulsion
and buoyancy than a simple doggy paddle.
Have the child stand in the water and
practice pushing water out of the way in the
desired stroke. Then he or she can practice
doing it while floating with an adult providing
some added support under the belly. With
time he can learn to float and stroke at the
same time.
4. Once the separate elements are mastered,
its time to put them all together. He can

choose to simply launch off of the pool

bottom or kick off of the side. Its important
to stress that the kicking motion is like the
accelerator of the car; it will keep him moving
and also keep him afloat. Swim strokes will
simply steer him and provide propulsion
assistance. Knowing that each motion has its
own importance will help the child remember
that all are needed to swim and stay afloat.

Once the child has become comfortable
swimming above the water, he or she may
eventually want to learn to swim below
the water, which many people find to be
less tiresome and allows one to cover
more ground faster. Swimming underwater
employs the same techniques as above,
but the child will need to be comfortable
holding his or her breath for a long period
of time. This can be practiced standing in
the water and dunking the face or body
(with supervision nearby) underwater.
Dont encourage kids to hold their nose
because both hands will be needed to
swim underwater. After the child has
grown accustomed to holding his her
breath stationary, he or she can try doing
it underwater and swimming. Swimming is
an important skill to learn, one thats both
practical and fun.

20 The News Herald The McDowell News Hickory Daily Record On The Lake

6.26.16