LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Memorial Day weekend is one of the top three busiest weekends of the year for the region’s lakes and rivers, and officials at the Army Corps of Engineers expect that 2020 will be no exception.
Corps park rangers caution that recreation areas around our lakes, and rivers will likely be congested, and with COVID-19 social distancing rules in effect for all public areas visitors may experience unexpected delays or complications. They ask visitors to use caution on the roadways, and to be courteous while entering campgrounds and waiting at boat ramps.
With water levels high across the state, and with more rain in the forecast, boaters should exercise extreme caution. The Arkansas River currently has a small craft advisory in effect, and law enforcement officials will be on the lookout for water safety and boating violations.
“While you’re honoring those men and women that have fallen protecting this great nation, please keep an eye on safety,” said Little Rock District Commander, Col. Eric Noe. “Seemingly simple choices, such as wearing a life jacket can make all the difference. In fact, more than 80 percent of public water fatalities on our reservoirs involved people who were not wearing life jackets.”
With campgrounds reopening and parks starting to fill up, the Corps reminds everyone that COVID-19 social distancing rules are still in place. These rules and other restrictions are required by local, state, and federal authorities to include the Centers for Disease Control. Current guidance provided by the CDC can be found at www.cdc.gov.
More recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usacelittlerock. Visit the Little Rock District website at: www.about.me/USACELittleRock.
Release no. 20-057