Family friendly events planned at High Rock Lake on Saturday

To celebrate the start of the boating season at High Rock Lake, Alcoa and the High Rock River Rats are hosting a series of family-friendly events on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Buddle Creek Access Area in Lexington. A lake cleanup effort sponsored by the High Rock River Rats will take place at the same time.  

“We encourage everyone to come out to High Rock Lake on Saturday to enjoy a free hot dog, grab a free life jacket and learn how to stay safe on the lakes,” said Karen Baldwin, a natural resources manager for Alcoa Power Generating Inc. who spearheads the company’s water safety efforts.

“We want to use this kickoff event to remind families about the different ways they can protect themselves when they are swimming or boating.”

Activities will include:

Interactive Games:
Take part in fun, family friendly games and activities that reinforce the importance of water safety.



Boating Safety:
Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement agencies will be there to share boating safety tips and show off the boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need.

Free Life Jackets:
Alcoa will give away free life jackets to 100 children under 13 years old. NC law requires children under 13 to always wear a life jacket when on a boat.

Hot Dog Lunch:
Enjoy a hot dog lunch, courtesy of the High Rock River Rats



Lake Cleanup:
The High Rock River Rats and Piedmont Triad Regional Council’s Stormwater SMART program encourage people to join the cleanup effort and help keep High Rock Lake clean.

The Buddle Creek Access Area is located off Holloway Church Road in Lexington. A similar event will be held at Badin Lake in May.

Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has been sponsoring a water safety campaign at the lakes along the Yadkin River for more than 10 years. Providing free life jackets is one of several ways that Alcoa works with law enforcement agencies to promote water safety. The company also provides financial support to local sheriff departments for increased patrols of the lakes and sponsors an advertising campaign to remind people to “Put It On.”

North Carolina consistently ranks near the top of the list when it comes to boating. NC ranked 5th in the nation in boating accidents (139), 6th in boating injuries (90) and 10th in boating deaths (16) last year. Some of those accidents happened at High Rock Lake.

The number one cause of death in boating accidents is drowning, according to US Coast Guard. Statistics show that 77% of boating fatalities were the result of drowning.

Alcoa Hosts Water Safety Event, Life Jacket Giveaway at Badin and High Rock lakes on Saturday, June 7

Alcoa is kicking off the summer with events at Badin and High Rock lakes on Saturday, June 7 to promote water safety. The events will be held at the Flat Swamp / Pebble Beach Swim Area on High Rock Lake and at the Badin Swim Area on Badin Lake from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Alcoa will be providing free life jackets to 100 children at lake. You can enjoy free snow cones, play family-friendly games and meet some popular children’s characters. Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement officials will be there to discuss water safety tips and show off the boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need.

“This is a great opportunity for families to learn the simple things they can do to stay safe when they visit the lakes, and pick up a free life jacket if they don’t have one,” said Karen Baldwin, a natural resources manager for APGI who spearheads the company’s water safety efforts. “But staying safe requires much more than simply having a life jacket in your boat. You have to put it on.” 

Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement officials will be there to discuss water safety tips and show off the boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need. 


Providing free life jackets is one of several ways that Alcoa works with law enforcement agencies to promote water safety. The company also provides financial support to local sheriff departments for increased patrols of the lakes and sponsors an advertising campaign to remind people to “Put It On.” 

This is the 10th consecutive year that Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has sponsored a water safety campaign at the lakes.

Alcoa promotes water safety with $25,000 grant to Stanly County YMCA

Alcoa launched its annual water safety campaign this month by announcing a $25,000 grant from the Alcoa Foundation that will support learn to swim programs at the YMCA. 

The grant is one of several ways that Alcoa is working with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and local law enforcement agencies to promote water safety this summer. The company is giving away hundreds of free life jackets to children, providing financial support to local sheriff departments for increased patrols of the lakes, and spreading its message of “Playing it Safe on the Lakes,” through billboards, ads and promotional items. 

“It’s so important that we remind people to be vigilant about water safety,” said Nicole Wright, Alcoa Foundation Coordinator. “We can prevent so many tragedies by helping our children learn to swim.  We are honored to support the YMCA’s learn to swim programs and hope parents take advantage of classes that are available.”

The $25,000 grant to the Stanly County Family YMCA will help promote water safety and swimming skills through the 2nd Grade Learn to Swim Program at the Y.

The program, started at East Albemarle Elementary School in 2005, has grown to serve nine elementary schools across Stanly County. Plans call for the program to expand to all elementary schools in the county.

“Both Alcoa and the Y have long histories in promoting water safety,“ said John Lowder, Executive Director of Stanly County Family YMCA.  “This partnership is a perfect match to allow both organizations to work together to make Stanly County a safer place to live and play.” 

Click here to read more about the grant in the Stanly News & Press and Salisbury Post.

See television coverage of Alcoa's water safety campaign from News 14 and WXII.

Alcoa providing free life jackets for children at Badin Lake and High Rock Lake

Alcoa is kicking off the summer recreation season this weekend with a series of community events to promote water safety. The company is joining forces with local law enforcement officials to educate swimmers and boaters about water safety on Saturday, May 19 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Alcoa will give away 100 free life jackets to children at the Badin Swim Area on Badin Lake and the Buddle Creek Swim Area on High Rock Lake. Children and their parents can enjoy free snow cones and pick up a free safety whistles as they talk with local law enforcement officials and look at boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need.   

“There are so many families in our community who enjoy swimming, boating and fishing on these lakes. While they are having fun, we want to remind them about the best way to stay safe on the lakes,” said Mark Gross, vice president of hydro operations for Alcoa Power Generating Inc. “We’re excited about putting 200 life jackets in the hands of local children this weekend. Wearing a life jacket is the absolute best way to stay safe on the lakes.” 

Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement officials are participating in the events.

“Play It Safe” Campaign Sends Simple Reminder
Throughout the summer, Alcoa will use billboards, newspaper and radio ads, signage around the lake and other avenues to promote the “Play it Safe” message to boaters and swimmers.  This is the eighth year Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has sponsored the “Play it Safe on the Lakes” campaign.

In addition, Alcoa provides $90,000 a year to sheriff departments in Davidson, Montgomery, Rowan and Stanly County for increased patrols of the lakes. 

Boaters Beware: Fall and Winter Bring Additional Water Safety Risks

Boaters who take to the water during the fall and winters months face a different set of risks when it comes to water safety. There are fewer boats and law enforcement officers on the water to provide assistance in the event of an emergency, and heavier clothes and colder temperatures can make it much more difficult to swim to safety if you fall in the water without a life jacket. It can be a deadly combination.

“There are fewer people on the lakes in the fall and winter, but the potential dangers for boaters are even greater,” said Marshall Olson, environmental and natural resources manager for Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI). “It’s important for people to pay just as much attention to water safety issues this time of the year as they do during the summer recreation season.”

APGI reminds boaters to Play it Safe on the Lakes by taking the following precautions: 

• Always Wear a Life Jacket: Wearing a life jacket is the most fundamental way to stay safe — and it’s even more important in colder water temperatures. The risk of cold shock and hypothermia can impede your ability to perform even the most basic of tasks.
• Be Prepared: Review the NC Wildlife Resources Commission’s “Boating Checklist” to make sure you have the necessary equipment on board and operating correctly. You can view the checklist online at: www.ncwildlife.org.
• Use the Buddy System: Avoid boating alone. If you are alone, make sure someone knows  where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Check Weather Forecasts and Advisories: Be prepared for adverse weather and sudden weather changes. Never go boating during storms.
• Be Aware of Lower Lake Levels: The lakes can experience lower water levels during the winter, exposing tree stumps and other potential hazards. Check the water levels online at www.alcoa.com/yadkin and be on the lookout for hazards.
• Have An Emergency Plan: Make sure you have a working marine radio and a charged mobile phone so you can call for help in an emergency.
• Do Not Overload the Boat: Boats that are weighted down are more likely to tip over.
• Be Careful Near Dams: Stay a safe distance from dams. Do not go past the warning signs and buoys located above and below the dams.
• Stay Dry, Stay Warm: Dress in layers and bring extra clothes. If you get wet, change into dry clothes as quickly as possible.