Lake Murray begins from the Irmo boat landing, crosses the lake past the four towers, and concludes on the Lexington side of the dam at the SCE&G Park.
 

The purpose of the annual swim across the dam is to raise awareness of boating and swimming safety in memory of 10-year old Drew Smith. On July 19, 1997 Drew was killed in a boating accident when a group of boaters made the decision to drink and drive all day on Lake Murray.They rammed into the boat young Drew and his dad, Randy, were fishing from in a Lake Murray cove. Randy Smith survived the ordeal; Drew did not. As a result of Drew’s death, South Carolina State Senators voted on legislation for “Boating Under the Influence (BUI),” soon after

the accident. SC Code 50-21-112 soon became known as “Drew’s Law.”

The swim began 12 years ago when the Lexington High School swim team approached Coach Anna Daly (former Olympian from New Zealand) and Lexington High School Principal Creig Tyler to ask if they could contact Karen and Randy Smith to form an annual event in memory of their son Drew. The LHS Dam Swim for Drew began raising funds for an indoor pool where people of all ages can learn to swim. Since there is no regulation pool for year-around

swimming in Lexington, swimmers must travel to the YMCA in Irmo, the University of South Carolina, Harbison Recreation Center, or Columbia College to practice.

After many area swimmers and tri-athletes asked to participate in the swim meet, what started out as a local fundraiser and memorial swim has become a National swim event with Masters level, as well as USA Swimming participants 12-65 years old. The LHS Dam Swim for Drew

is a sanctioned meet with swimmers now coming from all over the southeast. In 2009, Master’s participants from Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia participated in the event.

The US & Lake Murray Power Squadron, Columbia Sail Club, SCDNR, and Lexington County Sheriff’s Marine Task Force assists with the event, as well as ensuring the safety of the swimmers across the lake. Columbia Fire and Rescue Squad recently joined the event to provide first aid and rescue on the lake, if needed. Numerous kayakers from Palmetto Paddlers and individuals volunteer their time to paddle with the groups as they cross the lake.

Swimming and turning it into a exciting fundraiser for an indoor pool in Lexington County is the way the LHS swimmers feel can contribute to their community, remember Drew, and reminding everyone that alcohol takes lives from young and old, whether on land or in the water.

For more information on the 2010 LHS Dam Swim for Drew contact:

Karen Campbell at (803) 360-5038

Also, please visit the following Web sites for information and registration forms:

www.lexingtonwildcats.com

http://sites.google.com/site/lhsdamswimfordrew

For more information on the SC BUI Law and Boater Safety contact:

DNR Boating Education Office – Columbia, SC

Lt. Billy Downer

803-734-3995

1-800-277-4301

http://www.boat-ed.com/sc/handbook

http://www.boat-ed.com/sc/handbook/alcohol.htm

DNR Media Relations:

Lt. Robert McCullough

803-743-3836