Drowning Shows Danger of Lake Moultrie Storms

The Sunday is a tragic reminder of the dangers boaters face on the waters of Lake Moultrie when a storm arrives.

There's a variety of things that a boater has to do to safely prepare for a day on the water. "One of the biggest things is watching the weather," said Bill Salisbury, Berkeley Rescue Squad chief and Berkeley County coroner.

Robert Daniels, 19, of Ladson, died Sunday when an afternoon storm capsized his pontoon boat. Daniels death was ruled an accidental drowning. He would have turned 20 Tuesday.

Five others on the boat, including a double amputee, were able to make it to a rocky bank. "They're very fortunate only one lost his life," Salisbury said.

Once boaters are out on the water, they need to be aware of the weather at all times. 

"People don't realize how quickly those storms can come up," he said. "It can look like glass and then, five minutes later, it can be like an ocean."

With a storm approaching, Salisbury said boaters need to seek the nearest safe environment.

"And it doesn't have to be where you sat the boat in," he said. "Go where you can get up on land and wait for the storm to pass."