Grim Update: Body of Missing Swimmer Found in Sacandaga Lake

Sad News from Fulton County

There is some grim news to report out of the North Country on this Monday morning.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office says they recovered the body of a missing swimmer believed to have drowned in the Great Sacandaga Lake on Sunday.

According to reports, multiple rescue companies were called to the Great Sacandaga Lake near the Broadalbin Boat Launch Sunday night - about an hour north of Albany - for reports of a missing swimmer.

According to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, the missing swimmer "was attempting to reach another swimmer near a water raft when the victim went under and did not resurface on the lake."

Read More: Tropical Storm To Wreak Havoc Across New York This Week

Crews Recover the Body of a Male in his 20s

While they didn't release the name of the person who drowned, reports say that shortly after 10 am this morning, the NYSP Dive Team recovered "the body of a man in his 20s" who died in Sacandaga Lake on Sunday.

Lake and River Safety

According to sources, there's an average of 22 recreational boating deaths per year in New York from 2010 to 2024.

In 2024, there were nine fatalities, which is the lowest number of total reported fatalities in recorded history for New York State.
Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino reiterated that those who go boating on any lakes and rivers are required to obtain a boater safety certificate and limit their alcohol consumption.

He also emphasized the importance of always wearing a PFD or Life Preserver; over 50% of drownings could be prevented if individuals used life preservers, boated only in familiar areas, fueled up before leaving, yielded to other boats, and, if unfamiliar with the body of water, got out before darkness.