Press Releases

USACE offers water, boating safety tips for holiday weekend

Published May 19, 2015

MOBILE, Ala. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District continues to encourage recreational users to practice water and boating safety as the Memorial Day holiday kicks off.

Wear It Right!

“We welcome visitors and their families to enjoy the use of our lakes and recreational areas this holiday weekend but want them to be safe by wearing life jackets,” Lance Davis, a public affairs specialist for USACE Mobile District, said. “A child can drown in less than 30 seconds; an adult in 60 seconds, but it takes less than a minute to put on a life jacket. A life jacket can save your life if you wear it right.”

Play smart, leave alive!

Last year there were 25 water-related fatalities around the Mobile District.  That means 25 senseless deaths that could have been prevented with the use of a life jacket.  Not one of the 25 people who drowned was wearing a life jacket.  This year, we want all of our visitors to play smart and leave alive.  One way to play smart is by wearing a life jacket.

 

What if you don’t have a life jacket?

Recreational users can locate life jacket-loaner stations at many USACE operated areas and facility in the Mobile District.  Unmanned areas are equipped with orange Life jackets hanging on a loaner board.  Just take one, wear it, and return it when you come off the water.  Also, loaner life jackets are available at many of the gatehouses, just ask a park attendant.

 

Tips for a safer summer:

  • Life jackets work - Wear It Right!
  • Never swim alone.
  • Swim in designated swim areas.
  • Never dive or swim in unknown waters.
  • Be aware of underwater hazards such as stumps, rocks or other objects.
  • Obey all posted signs, markers and navigational aids.
  • NEVER drink alcohol and operate a vessel.
  • Check your life jacket for damages – broken parts, mold or ripped fabric.

For questions or information about lake or river projects in the Mobile District, visit http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/.

Let’s have a fun and a safe summer on the water!

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Contact
Lorraine S. Evans
251-690-2505
lorraine.s.evans.civ@mail.mil
251-690-2185 (fax)

Release no. 15-010