Canton Police Install Safety Devices at Reservoir

The Canton Police Department Marine Division placed new safety features at the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir on Monday.

According to a department release, the division dropped 15 "no swimming" buoys throughout the reservoir, especially near areas of the water that can be reached by foot. Each buoy weighs approximately 100 pounds.

On April 10 of this year, 17-year-old Jon Thomas Bettis of Canton drowned in the reservoir, which opened in late March.

The "no swimming" buoys join the recently-installed 911 call box that can be found in the boat ramp parking area.

According to the release, the phone automatically dials 911 when it is taken off the hook, giving callers one less thing to worry about in an emergency situation.