KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — People in East Tennessee are enjoying the Fourth of July weekend with some deciding to visit the newly reopened Augusta Quarry. After a suspected drowning there last month, 6 News went out to talk to visitors about safety at the 200-foot-deep swimming hole.
Augusta Quarry at Fort Dickerson Park officially reopened to the public Wednesday after more than a year of renovations totaling millions of dollars.
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“We were playing on the paddle board, and we were swimming. I usually just wear a life vest, so I don’t really have to tread water that much,” said young swimmer Salem Saksa.Safety has been a top priority for the City of Knoxville following multiple drownings at the quarry over the years, including a reported one last month.“Totally safe. I feel really like there’s so many rules that they’re making sure safety is the number one priority. I have not felt unsafe. Everyone has been nice and welcoming, overall a good time,” explained visitor Courtney Agnew.
“I agree. Very, very safe. They do offer these life vests for free for anyone that would like to put them on, if they’re not really good at swimming and things like that. So, they make sure that there’s many things put in place to make sure that everyone feels safe and everyone feels welcome to enjoy what we have here,” added Obinze Nwokochah another visitor.Swimmers say they appreciate the extra safety measures, including more staff and free personal floatation devices, giving them an added peace of mind while enjoying the quarry.“I did feel safe,” explained swimmer Joe Buras. “I swam all the way out to the wall and put some handprints on the rock. But in general, the water’s great. Safety, I would say it seems like there’s a lot of guidance and a lot of people here. If you don’t feel like a strong swimmer, you can rent some of these tubes over here. It’s not too expensive. And there’s also life jackets for everybody. So, however you feel comfortable if you’re a strong swimmer, go out, have fun. If you’re not, maybe get a life jacket and have a ball.”
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After 80 hours of searching for a victim regarding that suspected drowning last month. Crews scaled back recovery efforts. A body was never found. There are no lifeguards at the quarry but there are a set of safety rules. For example, jumping and diving from cliffs is not allowed…