AUGUSTA - Walter James Dozier, 25, of Hephzibah drowned Wednesday while swimming near Thurmond dam on an outing with his girlfriend, authorities said. <br>
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Dozier swam to a buoy about 20 yards off shore from the West Dam Recreation Area and disappeared on the way back, Columbia County sheriff's Capt. Johnny Whittle said. <br>
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Zack Harkness, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ranger, said Dozier was found about eight feet offshore in 20 feet of water.
