Boy drowns in Jordan Lake during birthday celebration, Chatham sheriff’s office says

A boy visiting Jordan Lake to celebrate a friend’s birthday drowned Sunday afternoon when he went swimming near a picnic area off Beaver Creek Road, according to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

Bryan Guzman, 16, of Winston-Salem had come to the lake with his older brother and a friend for the birthday celebration at a picnic area near Ebenezer Point on the lake’s eastern shore.

At about 3:30 p.m., Bryan’s 18-year-old brother called 911 to say that he was in distress while swimming in a cove near the picnic area, according to the sheriff’s office. The cove is not a designated swimming area, and there was no lifeguard nearby.

In addition to the sheriff’s office, the North Chatham Fire Department, N.C. State Parks and FirstHealth EMS responded to the call. The sheriff’s office Victim Services Unit is working with the Guzman family, said Sheriff Mike Roberson.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Guzman family during this very difficult time,” Roberson said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to them as they mourn the loss of their son and brother.”

The drowning on Memorial Day weekend underscores the need to be careful around the lake, the sheriff’s office said. It urged people to wear a life jacket while on the water; swim only in designated areas; supervise children closely and be aware of water conditions and your surroundings.