16-year old, Bethany Kacak, from Cleveland, Georgia, was participating in Cohutta Springs Youth Camp’s Wakeboard Teen Specialty Camp at Carter’s Lake in Georgiaon July 11, 2006 when she fell at around 3 p.m. while wakeboarding. Our staff say when they saw Bethany fall the boat was moving at a normal speed for wakeboarding and there was nothing that made the fall appear abnormal. 

However, when Bethany did not respond, a certified lifeguard on board the boat immediately entered the water and responded with first aid.  

911 was called from the boat and when medics arrived at the pier and assessed Bethany an air ambulance was called to take her to Erlanger Medical Center.

Doctors determined that Bethany sustained severe trauma to the head.  

We are praying for a miracle. 

Currently, Bethany’s parents along with their pastor are at the hospital with Bethany. 

Cohutta Springs Youth Camp has been a significant part of kids' lives for 26 years. Our camp values include a commitment to developing Christian character through relationships, Christ-centered campfires and exciting activities in God's great outdoors.

Cohutta Springs Youth Camp has an outstanding safety record and holds our campers safety paramount.  We believe wakeboarding is a reasonable activity and is approved by the summer camp industry.  While it currently appears that there is nothing that could have been done to prevent this accident, wakeboarding has been suspended pending a thorough review of this accident. 

During this difficult time we would ask that Bethany, her family, and Cohutta Springs Youth Camp be lifted up in prayer.

Please continue to watch this website for further information as it becomes available.

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