Corps urges public to be safe on the water this summer

By Tracy RobillardJune 15, 2011

Water Safety at Thurmond Lake
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Water Safety at Richard B. Russell Lake
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Water Safety at Hartwell Dam and Lake
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Hartwell water safety
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

With the summer recreation season officially underway, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District reminds the public to always wear a life jacket when boating, swimming or recreating in, on, or near a body of water.

Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, it is possible to reduce drowning deaths just by wearing a life jacket. Statistics show that 90 percent of those who drown at Corps of Engineers lakes may have survived if they had worn a life jacket.

“As the leading provider of outdoor recreation on all federally-managed public lands, the Corps of Engineers is dedicated to promoting and educating the public on water safety,” said Col. Jeff Hall, Savannah district commander. “The Savannah district has three of the best recreation areas in the nation along the upper Savannah River " lakes Hartwell, Richard B. Russell and J. Strom Thurmond " in addition to the many Low Country rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean. We want everyone to have fun this summer, but never forget that safety always must be at the forefront of your mind.”

Savannah district's park rangers, such as David Quebedeaux, teach water safety in their communities everyday. “Bringing them water safety is a very fun and important activity that the Corps of Engineers can do,” Quebedeaux said. “We’re reaching kids and families who live in a lake environment. Lake Thurmond is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. The people living around it want to come out and play, but we as rangers want them to be safe.”

Here are some tips from the Corps of Engineers to help recreation seekers stay safe over the Memorial Day weekend and the summer:

ALCOHOL AND WATER DON'T MIX

U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Just one beer can impair balance, vision, judgment, and reaction time. Research shows that four hours of boating, exposure to noise, vibration, sun, glare, and wind produces fatigue that simulates drunkenness. Boating fatigue combined with alcohol consumption intensifies the effects and increases accident risk. Make sure the captain or person handling the boat is experienced and competent, and avoids alcohol at all costs.

BOATING SAFETY TIPS

-Wear a life jacket! Don't just carry one on board " WEAR IT! Make sure your life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved, appropriately sized for the user, and in good condition. Visit www.safeboatingcampaign.com/

-Coast Guard law now requires life jackets for all children age 12 and younger, unless otherwise specified by state law.

-Know your boat and know the rules of the road. Operator errors account for 70 percent of boating accidents. Visit http://cgaux.org/boatinged/ for information on safe boating classes.

-View the Coast Guard federal regulations governing boating at http://www.uscgboating.org/ and know your state laws as well.

-Carry a set of navigational charts on board and use them.

-Check your boat for all required safety equipment. Visit http://cgaux.org/vsc/ for a checklist.

-Don't overload the boat (consider boat size, the number passengers, and extra equipment before loading).

-Follow manufacturer's suggested procedures before starting the engine.

-Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

-File a float plan with family or friends who are not on the vessel. This is essentially a description of where you plan to go on your boat and at what times, so that you can be found in case of an emergency.

SWIMMING SAFETY

-Surprisingly, two-thirds of those who drown never had the intention of being in the water.

-Watch your children at all times when around the water.

-Never dive head first into lakes and rivers. The results can be tragic.

-Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay afloat.

-Don't take chances by over-estimating your swimming skills.

-Reach or throw a floatation device to help someone in trouble. Don't go in after them.

-Swim only in designated swimming areas.

-Never swim alone.

-For a fun children’s cartoon on life jacket safety, visit Bobber the Water Safety Dog at http://bobber.info/

Related Links:

Savannah District on Facebook

Savannah District on Flickr

USACE Savannah District

Savannah District on Twitter

USACE on Army.mil

US Army Corps of Engineers

Savannah District on YouTube