Army Corps Promotes Recreation Water Safety

By Mr. Vincent Elias (USACE)June 6, 2012

NEW YORK -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park rangers and volunteers will be

working this summer season to increase visitor's awareness of the importance of

practicing safe and sensible recreation activities in and around Army Corps waters.

Army Corps officials are working to reduce fatalities at the more than 2,500 Army Corps-managed

recreation areas nationwide. For example, additional signage has been

situated at Army Corps-managed recreation areas, and when speaking with visitors,

park rangers and volunteers are emphasizing the importance of water safety.

People of all ages are strongly encouraged to practice water safety this summer

season.

Before heading in or around the water consider these five water safety facts:

• Expect the unexpected -- Accidents happen; prepare by learning to swim well

enough to make it at least 40 yards. When a non-swimmer unexpectedly falls into deep

water there is a gasp reflex that causes the victim to ingest water and that in turn

causes panic; the victim can quickly, and quietly, go under.

• Wear a life jacket -- By providing time to be rescued, it will help ensure you survive an

unexpected fall into the water. An adult can drown in 60 seconds. It takes a strong

swimmer 10 minutes to put on a life jacket after entering the water.

• Know your swimming abilities -- According to a safety professional, it's estimated

that 93 percent of people who go swimming are unable to swim more than 40 yards, if

at all. Be aware that swimming in natural waters is different from swimming in a pool,

and swimming ability decreases with age. If you can't swim the length of a pool, you

can't make it across a lake.

• Alcohol and water is a deadly combination -- Alcohol consumption induces an inner

ear condition (caloric labyrinthitis) that will cause an individual to become disoriented

when underwater and not realize which direction is up.

• Understand "boater's hypnosis" -- It is a condition brought on by the mixture of sun,

wind, noise, vibration, and motion experienced during a day of boating. It causes

fatigue and reduces reaction time, especially when combined with alcohol consumption.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation's largest federal provider of outdoor

and water-based recreation, managing more than 400 lake and river projects in 43

states and hosting more than 370 million visits per year. With 90 percent of these

recreation areas within 50 miles of metropolitan areas they provide a diverse range of

outdoor activities close to home and to people of all ages. For more information on

the Army Corps' recreation sites and activities, visit www.CorpsLakes.us.

Related Links:

CorpsLakes

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers