Lake Martin Father and Son Saved After Boat Fire Near Kowaliga, A Story of Faith and Community
by Jamie Burnett
What started as a father-son camping trip on Lake Martin turned into a powerful reminder of faith, courage, and the strength of the incredible Lake Martin Boaters community.
On Thursday afternoon, a local father, Jerrod Dorminey, and his 10-year-old son, J Wills, launched from Parker Creek Marina for a simple overnight adventure. They planned to camp on Cheeseburger Island, fish a little, and soak in the calm that only Lake Martin can offer. The water was glassy, the air cool, and within the first hour, they had already caught a beautiful Spotted Bass and two Largemouth. In the first hour of the trip, J Willis decided he wanted to knee board for a bit. The water was perfectly smooth. Life was good on Lake Martin.
As they headed toward Cheeseburger Island, things changed in an instant. Near Kowaliga, the engine began knocking loudly, so Jerrod shut it off. None of his engine lights came on, and there were no apparent engine or transmission temperature issues. He assumed he slung a rod. He opened the engine hatch and they had flames. He reached for the extinguisher, but by the time he turned around with it, they were past the point of no return. They had a full-on fire, and not the kind they were hoping to roast marshmallows over later in the evening.
Thinking fast, J Willis already had on his life vest and Jerrod threw on his own, grabbed his keys, wallet and cel phone. He tossed a throwable and the kneeboard in the water and they jumped in. Even in the panic, his son listened, stayed calm, and swam away from the boat just like he was told.
Then came the miracle.
Four young men from Wofford College, who happened to be eating at Kowaliga Restaurant, saw the smoke and raced to help. They reached the pair quickly and pulled them to safety. “If this had happened anywhere else on the lake, we might have been in the water for a long time,” the dad said. “We were exactly where we needed to be.”
Image by Jennifer Jennings Bennett
Still Image taken from Video submitted by Eli Williams
What followed was an outpouring of kindness that only Lake Martin people would understand. Volunteer fire and rescue teams from across the area showed up. One firefighter even let J Willis wear his helmet to lighten the moment. The Kowaliga manager gave him a warm t-shirt and a plate of French fries while they waited for family to arrive. Trooper Jonathan Walker from the Alabama Law Enforcement Marine Police offered help, encouragement, and reassurance that Jerrod made the right decisions in the midst of an unfortunate circumstance. Friends like Zack Hollingsworth and Chad Gilliland of Tow Boats US Lake Martin stepped in to help tow the remains and lift their spirits.
Everything they had on board was lost. Camping gear, tackle boxes, rods and reels, and especially one priceless item: a favorite rod that once belonged to the dad’s 95-year-old grandfather, who taught him to fish. He caught two of the best bass of his life on that very rod just 45 minutes before the fire.
“We lost a lot that can’t be replaced,” he said. “But we’re safe, and that’s what matters most.”
Looking back, he can see how God’s hand was in every detail. They had planned to bring their 110-pound Weimaraner but decided at the last minute to let him stay home. Right before launching, he asked J Willis to pull out both life vests, something he normally saves for later. And of all the places the fire could have happened, it was right in front of Kowaliga, surrounded by people who could help.
Three days later, on Sunday morning, the dad stood on stage at Frazer Church in Montgomery, where he serves as a worship minister. As he prepared to lead the congregation in song, he looked down at the set list he had picked earlier in the week. The song? “Another in the Fire.”
“There is another in the fire standing next to me.
There is another in the waters holding back the sea.
Should I ever need reminding what power set me free,
There is a grave that holds no body, and now that power lives in me.”
“All I could do was smile,” he said. “God was there with us that night, in the fire and in the water.”
This story isn’t just about loss. It’s about faith, courage, and the incredible people who make Lake Martin such a special place. From the rescuers at Kowaliga to the firefighters, the Marine Police, the restaurant staff, and friends who showed up to help, the Lake Martin Boaters community once again proved what it’s made of.
“We love this lake,” he said. “And after this, we’re even more grateful for the people who make it feel like family.”
Because at Lake Martin, the real story isn’t about the fire. It’s about faith and the people who showed up when it mattered most.
Videos posted to our Lake Martin Boaters™ Facebook Community.
