A Mother's Mission: Angela White's Story and the Importance of Water Safety
Friday, May 9, 2025
As Haw River Assembly prepares for our upcoming Water Confidence & Paddle Workshop on June 7, we want to share a powerful story that illustrates why these skills are so vital. Angela White, who lost her son Kristoffer to drowning at Jordan Lake in 2023, graciously shared her experience with us and how she's transformed her grief into a mission to prevent similar tragedies.
A Life Changed in an Instant
In the summer of 2023, Angela White's son Kristoffer had recently graduated from college and was preparing for graduate school. Like many young adults, he was focused on getting fit and enjoying the outdoors. "I went in his trunk [after he passed] and he had all this workout gear," Angela recalls. "I think he had a wetsuit in there. So I don't know whatever he was preparing for."
Kristoffer was not unfamiliar with swimming—he had grown up as what Angela calls a "pool swimmer." However, like many people, he likely didn't fully understand the different challenges presented by natural bodies of water like Jordan Lake.
One summer day, Kristoffer decided to visit Jordan Lake alone. He had new goggles and swimming gear. Angela emphasizes, "It wasn't as though he could not swim. I think he apparently panicked... it doesn't take much."
The Hidden Dangers of Lakes
What many people don't realize is that lakes present unique challenges even for experienced swimmers. As Angela discovered in her grief journey, there are "hidden dangers" that aren't always obvious to visitors.
Jordan Lake, like many large lakes, can have:
Unexpected drop-offs and depth changes
Underwater obstacles not visible from the surface
Cold water that can trigger shock even on hot days
Wind and weather conditions that can change rapidly
Wildlife
"I think that Kristoffer was just out there enjoying [himself]," Angela reflects. "I can see the beauty of it. He was a reflective person; a deep guy for his young age."
From Grief to Purpose
After Kristoffer's passing, Angela sought to understand what happened and how she could prevent other families from experiencing the same loss. She visited Jordan Lake—her first time there despite having lived in the area—and immediately noticed opportunities for improved safety measures.
"When I went out there, I was like, from an observer's standpoint, something has to be done to educate the public on the hidden dangers of the lake," she explains. "Even that year on the news reports, when there were many drownings, they always would say afterwards 'if they would have worn a life jacket'... But you're not explaining why you need to wear a life jacket."
Angela notes that many people associate life jackets only with boating activities, not understanding they can be crucial for everyone in natural water bodies. She also observed that existing safety signage at Jordan Lake wasn't prominent enough and information wasn't being effectively communicated to visitors.
"The little sign saying 'swim at your own risk' is not prominent," she notes. "Even at the safe entrance where the parking attendant receives the money... things should start there."
Building a Community of Remembrance and Education
Angela White took the remarkable step of connecting with other families who had lost loved ones to drowning at local lakes. "I said, well, I have to do my part so that my son's death is not in vain."
Through research and outreach to funeral homes, she connected with six families who had experienced similar losses in 2023. Together, they formed a support network and began planning ways to honor their loved ones while educating the public.
"All of us wanted to do something so that these drownings would reduce," she explains.
This led to a memorial event at Jordan Lake, which brought together about 60 friends and family members from the affected families. The event included both a remembrance ceremony and an educational component featuring representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers who discussed lake safety and proper life vest usage.
"We had a memorial table of all the ones that I was able to find, not only from Jordan Lake, but from Falls Lake [and others]," Angela says. The families shared stories about their loved ones and found comfort in their shared experiences.
Expanding the Mission
Angela White has continued her mission, organizing annual remembrance events and expanding her focus to include all natural bodies of water in the region. This year's event will include those lost at the Neuse River in Raleigh and other locations.
She's also begun reaching out to schools and community organizations to provide education targeted at young people. "Just like seatbelts and stuff like that, we have to change the mindset and start young," she emphasizes.
Angela White has volunteered to speak at schools alongside representatives from Jordan Lake, sharing her personal story and Kristoffer's memory to make the importance of water safety more immediate and impactful for students.
Progress and Partnerships
Angela White notes that Jordan Lake has implemented some changes since her advocacy began. A new park attendant and team have made water safety education a higher priority, and she's joined their water safety council to contribute to ongoing improvements.
"They have, in this short time, made some changes," she says. "I know they have not been sitting on a can. To me, I know if these things keep happening, there has to be something that is missing."
One important factor she identifies is the region's growing population of newcomers who may not be familiar with the specific risks of local water bodies. "Our area does have a large influx of newcomers," she observes. "A lot of people do not know [about the dangers]. Even our natives of the area don't know."
Why Water Confidence Matters
Angela's story powerfully illustrates why the Haw River Assembly's Water Confidence Workshop is so important. Learning proper techniques, understanding the unique characteristics of natural bodies of water, and knowing when and how to use safety equipment can save lives.
As Angela and her fellow advocates continue their work to improve safety awareness and infrastructure at local lakes, educational programs like ours provide essential skills and knowledge that complement these efforts.
By sharing Angela's story, we hope to emphasize that water safety education isn't just about learning to swim—it's about understanding natural environments, recognizing potential hazards and being prepared with the right equipment and mindset when enjoying our beautiful waterways.
Join Us on June 7 for our Water Confidence and kayaking workshop
The Haw River Assembly invites you to our Water Confidence & Paddle Workshop on June 7, 2025, at Ebenezer Church Access on Jordan Lake. This workshop, featuring professional instructors, Stephanie Winfrey and Raphael Darden, will provide essential skills for safety, enjoyment and relaxation on the water.
Schedule:
9:30 am-10:30 am: Water Confidence with Stephanie (EMS present)
10:30-11:00 am: Break
11:00 am-12:30 pm: Paddle Workshop with Raphael
Register HERE
Safety
EMS will be present during the water confidence portion and we will have PFD (personal flotation devices) during the kayak portion.
We ask that participants be 16 years of age or older.
The Haw River Assembly's Nature4All Series is dedicated to making outdoor recreation accessible to everyone while promoting safety and environmental stewardship.
If you or someone you know has been affected by drowning, resources are available through organizations like the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (ndpa.org).