ANDERSON, SC - The Lake Hartwell Association (LHA) has noted that underwater hazards are becoming more hazardous as the level of Lake Hartwell falls. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers only marks underwater hazards within the main lake channel (outside boundaries marked by the red and green nun or can buoys) and the most direct routes from boat ramps to the main channel.

There have been a few exceptions to this rule, mainly to mark large areas of exposed trees, shoals, etc. These are marked with orange ball buoys as they become a threat. Because of the size of Hartwell Lake, limitations have to be set as far as what can and will be marked by the Corps, because of funding and a lack of manpower. The Corps is urging boaters to use extreme caution during these times of drought and low lake levels and to stay within marked channels.

"The Corps does not object to members of the public marking hazards with plastic jugs such as gallon milk jugs or other plastic bottles of this type," according to the LHA. "Other boaters will no doubt appreciate it as much as we would. So if you know of a hazard in your area that is not marked, please feel free to tie a couple of plastic bottles to it. You might save someone from a damaged boat or even an injury."