Published: June 24, 2008 01:20 pm            

Protect your family with life jackets

Submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers



MOBILE, Ala. — What is the value of your life or that of your child? Is it worth buying and wearing a properly fitting life jacket when you recreate in a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers river or lake?

Last year 25 individuals drowned in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Georgia river and lake projects managed by the Mobile District. This year seven fathers, sons and husbands have drowned.

It is probably a safe bet that none of these individuals expected to end up in the water. These fatalities didn’t have to happen and could have been prevented if a few safety rules had been followed.

The Corps encourages everyone to play safe and to boat safe in, on or near the water.

Remember: a child can drown in as few as 20 seconds; an adult in 60 seconds. It takes less than one minute to put on a life jacket, snap the clips and adjust the fit.

This year to promote water safety and help prevent drowning, visitors will find life jacket loaner stations at Corps recreation areas in the Southeastern United States. Visitors can find information about the program at the gate attendant stations, on the beaches or in the campground. Each project has tailored the life jacket loaner program to meet its needs. To find the nearest Corps project near you, visit www.corpslakes.com.



SAFETY TIPS

Always wear a life jacket when you are on a boat.

Most drowning victims knew how to swim, but did not intend to get in the water and could not reach their lifejackets in time.

Always boat sober.

Always boat with a friend.

Use your running lights from dusk until dawn when you are on the water.

Always let someone on shore know where you plan to take the boat.

Check the weather before you put the boat in the water.

Know and follow the water “rules of the road.”

Learn how to swim.

Wear a life jacket, it could save your life.



Water Safety Tips

Learn how to swim, but be aware that even good swimmers can drown. Know your limits.

Swim with a buddy.

Swim in designated areas only.

Use your head and go feet first into the water.

Leave the water at the first sign of bad weather.

Watch your children – no reading, no phone, no nap.

        

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