LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer for many, and it often kicks off with an outing to a lake or river. Park rangers from the Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District want you and your family to be safe in or around the water.
A high number of people who drowned at Corps of Engineer lake or river projects didn’t wear a life jacket. Life jackets saves lives by keeping you afloat and providing time for rescue.
Most people who drown never intended to be in the water; they unexpectedly fell from a boat or dock into the water. When this happens, a person will reflexively gasp and can inhale up to one liter of water and drown in less than a minute.
Swim at a designated swim beach. These areas have been inspected to provide a safe swimming environment. At all Corps of Engineers beaches you swim at your own risk so adults please watch your children, because most people drowned within 10 feet of safety.
Many shorelines at Corps of Engineers lake and river projects have drop offs and you can be in water over your head instantly or pulled under by river currents.
When on a lake or river be sure to wear a life jacket. It doesn’t do you any good if you are using it for a seat cushion.
Little Rock District park rangers urge everyone to obey boating laws. The rangers point out that more than half of all people who drown consume alcohol before their accident, so skip alcohol if you plan to be in or on the water.
For any lake you visit, the rangers offer the following additional swimming and boating tips:
Swimmers
* Your best defense is to learn to swim.
* Never swim alone.
* Never rely on toys like inner tubes or water wings.
* When in doubt, wear a life jacket.
* Never dive into lakes and rivers from cliffs or ledges.
* Lakes are big; don’t overestimate your swimming skills.
* Swim only in designated areas.
* Watch your children -- have a “Designated Child Watcher.”
Boaters
* Wear a life jacket.
* Check your tow vehicle, trailer and boat.
* Check all safety equipment.
* File a float plan with a friend.
* Check the weather before launching.
* Don’t swim for a boat that is drifting away; get another boater to retrieve it.
* Take a safe boating course.
* Post a sharp lookout and add even more care at night.
If you visit a lake without a life jacket, borrow one from us. Life jacket loaner boards helps ensure park visitors have the chance to safely enjoy water activities. The loaner program has limited quantities of life jackets for children and adults so use it for the day and return it.
Life jackets loaner stations are located at some parks on Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork, Clearwater, Greers Ferry, Nimrod, Blue Mountain, Millwood, Dierks, DeQueen, Greeson, Degray, Ouachita, and Gillham lakes. Several Corps parks along the Arkansas River plus the Arkansas Game and Fish boat launch ramp near Verizon Arena also have loaner stations.
Water safety tips and life jacket loaner program information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace, and Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/usacelittlerock.