Authorities say they won't release the teen's identity until his body has been recovered and that his next-of-kin have been notified.The News & Observercited a cousin as identifying the teen as Solomon Scott of Apex.
The tragedy occurred as a church waterskiing trip was ending. The search continued Sunday until it was too dark to see.
The teen was in a boat headed back for shore when he and two friends decided to jump out and swim back in. He ran into trouble, and others in the ski boat tossed ski floats, life jackets and chair cushions towards the teen.
Emergency workers are checking out a specific small area of the lake near Vista Point because his companions were able to identify where they all were. Water depth at that area is about 8 to 12 feet.
"[His friends] did make an effort," said wildlife officer Reggie Barker. "Several of the other people that were in the boat jumped out of the boat in an attempt to rescue him, but were unsuccessful."
The boy's family was at the scene during the search.
Officials at the site said they have no reason to believe that alcohol or foul play were factors, and that proper boating safety rules were apparently being followed. While there were life vests in the boat, the boy was not wearing one at the time he jumped in.
There are signs at the lake prohibitting swimming due to the quality of the water.
The teen was on an annual outing with members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Cary. About 45 people had spent the weekend at a campground, held Sunday morning services at the lake, and then enjoyed fellowship. The drowning occurred as the adults were cleaning up, and children were swimming, playing volleyball or taking one more ride in the boat. Seven people had gone out in the boat for water-skiing and playing in inner tubes. ,MJ Ainsley
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