COLUMBIA (WACH) - One of the most popular attractions during the summer months in Columbia is tubing down the Saluda River.
However - officials say each year, the fun activity turns deadly.
On Wednesday Bob McCullough with the Department of Natural Resources said the best way to prevent a tubing death is to wear a life vest.
"If you come out of that tube the water just doesn't forgive and being a good swimmer doesn't help, the water is going to take you down," said McCullough.
McCullough said the river is flowing at about normal speed, 3 or 4mph, but said looks can be deceiving.
"It looks very calm but it can be moving very quickly underneath you, and if you come out of that tube or you slip out of something and you don't have on a personal floatation device on, it can be a real danger," said McCullough.
Last June 21-year old Bernard Flemming was out tubing with friends on the Saluda, when he went under and never came back up.
Officials said he was not wearing a life vest.
"Every rental customer is required to get a jacket, whether they want one or not," said Michael Mayo, Owner of Palmetto Outdoors Center.
Mayo said he's been in business for five years in Columbia and has sent more that 6,000 tubers down the Saluda in safety.
"As long as you are wearing your jacket you can stop swimming in that river and you'll continue to float, if you take that jacket off you have to keep swimming no matter what to keep yourself a float," said Mayo.
For only $15 you can get a sturdy tube, a life vest and a ride up the river.
For more information on Palmetto Outdoors Center, please visit:
http://www.palmettooutdoor.com/
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH