The body of a 16-year-old boy who apparently drowned on Labor Day was recovered from Pointes West Beach in Appling, authorities said.
Savonn Small was with a group of four juveniles swimming in the lake before two of them went missing, said Maj. Steve Morris with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
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“Two of the juveniles swam to shore. One juvenile was found a short time later near the shore,” Maj. Morris said.
The third juvenile who was found a short time later was treated by EMS while the search went on for Sevonn. The rescue effort included sheriff’s office boats and the fire department dive team. He was found around 3:30 p.m. Monday.
Pointes West Army Resort is located in Appling on Clarks Hill Lake (Lake Strom Thurmond). The resort is approximately 30 miles from the Augusta area and Fort Gordon.
According to an Army website, Pointes West Swim Beach is open annually from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend. Beach attendants and lifeguards are present as available from Wednesday-Sunday weekly, through the summer, and on the weekends through the month of August. The beachfront and roped-off swimming area is the only area actively monitored by Lifeguarding Staff.
“Swimming at Pointes West is done at your own risk, and parents are responsible for any minors within in their group,” the website says.
Pointes West Army Resort is a facility that offers multi-functional accommodations, including waterfront cottages and cabins, park model RVs, and primitive campsites.
