DCMS students 'splash into safety' with winning essays

DAWSONVILLE - Nicholas Baggett, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Natural Resource Manager for Lake Lanier, recently sponsored an essay competition among 6th graders at Dawson County Middle School.

While speaking to the students during Career Day earlier this month, Baggett shared the importance of remembering water safety. To kick off the summer recreation season, which traditionally begins Memorial Day weekend, Baggett challenged the students to write an essay titled "How to Keep You and Your Family Safe at Lake Lanier."

Students wrote about the importance of obeying boating laws, being aware of their surroundings, swimming with a buddy, and not drinking while driving or boating. Students also noted the value of a life jacket while swimming, skiing, or boating. In Georgia, all children under 13 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on board any moving vessel. Also, all boats must have at least one USCG-approved personal flotation device (life jacket) for each person on board.

Baggett presented the essay winners with new USCG-approved life jackets and a goody bag that included Frisbees, maps, books, and floats. Winning students were: Samantha Steuber, Allison Holt, Nathan Ryan, contest sponsor Mr. Nicholas Baggett, Steven Harkness, Hunter Ketels, Tyler Glamuzina, and Josh Powell.