COVINGTON COUNTY, Ala. — A 20-year-old man drowned at the Point A Reservoir in Covington County Monday afternoon, after a swimming excursion turned fatal.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m., emergency responders were called to the scene, located on the Conecuh River, after reports came in that a swimmer had failed to surface after going underwater. River Falls Police arrived on the scene and learned that the man, along with several friends, had swum out to the buoys in the middle of the reservoir. While attempting to return to shore, the man became stranded, clinging to a buoy for support.
Despite his friend’s efforts to swim out and assist him, the strong currents made it impossible for the rescuer to reach the victim. The friend was forced to turn back toward the shore.
Authorities, including River Falls officers and deputies with the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, launched an immediate search for the missing swimmer. Due to strong winds and swift water currents, search efforts were hindered. In a bid to slow the currents, authorities contacted PowerSouth to temporarily shut down a nearby dam. This adjustment helped reduce the flow of water, making it easier for rescue teams to continue their efforts.
Shortly before 6:00 p.m., the victim’s body was located in 12 feet of water, bringing the hours-long search to a close.
The Covington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the victim’s family had been notified, though the name of the deceased has not been publicly released as of yet.
Point A Reservoir, a 600-acre body of water situated on the Conecuh River in central Covington County, has long been a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, but this tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with swimming in areas with unpredictable currents.
Authorities have yet to release further details surrounding the incident, but the loss of a young life has deeply affected both the local community and the victim’s loved ones.
