SWD is recognized for outstanding water safety contributions

By LaDonna DavisJanuary 30, 2013

DALLAS - Employees from the Southwestern Division U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were named the recipients of the region four National Water Safety Congress awards for their outstanding contributions to water safety throughout 2012.

NWSC's extensive award program recognizes the contributions of the many water safety professionals and dedicated volunteers who make substantial contributions to promoting water and boating safety, helping to reduce the number of drowning and boating accidents now occurring each year.

The following individuals whom have partnered with SWD or work for SWD and will be receiving this year's NWSC awards are as follows:

Regional Award:

Randall McCartney and Elizabeth Anderson from Fort Worth District, Waco Lake project office. McCartney and Anderson worked closely with the Bosqueville Independent School District, Boqueville, Texas, to organize the Forever 15: Tragedy on the Water, Water Safety Event and video. "Through their dedicated efforts, they developed a partnership with all the entities in the area that work drowning's in order to produce a program and video that through local and social media has reached thousands of people," the award citation states.

Award of Merit:

Kristen Glover. Glover is Little Rock Miss Arkansas 2011. She partnered with the Little Rock District Corps of Engineers to promote water safety through a series of six water safety public service announcements which were aired on radio stations throughout Arkansas. Through her partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Glover has become a strong advocate for lifejacket wear, boating sober and learning to swim well campaigns.

Kristine Brown, Natural Resources Specialist and Park Ranger for the Galveston District Corps of Engineers. Brown was instrumental in the development and execution of the Galveston District's Water Safety Program. The innovative campaign included partnering with nationally recognized water-safety organizations and using social media to maximize outreach efforts.

"I am so proud of all of this year's award recipients and the District's that helped promote water safety through strong partnerships with our community members and businesses," said SWD Commander, Brig. Gen. Thomas Kula. "One of SWDs most important goals is getting out the message to wear your life jacket and swim safely. Every life that we save through our efforts means one less family that is torn apart because of unsafe water practices."

The NWSC will recognize all award recipients at the 17th Annual International Boating and Water Safety Summit in San Antonio, Texas, during a luncheon, March 27, for their contributions to boating and water safety.