WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- As the nation's largest federal provider of water-based recreation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emphasizes safety and urges extra caution while recreating on USACE-managed lands during the upcoming Independence Day holiday.
Many people enjoy USACE recreation sites as part of their Fourth of July celebration. Visitors can enjoy scenic river views while taking advantage of picnicking, camping, fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. Unfortunately, some celebrations end tragically due to accidents. To ensure a safer recreation experience over the holiday and throughout the year, USACE urges visitors to practice the following safety tips:
Leave fireworks at home. Fireworks, including sparklers, are never allowed on USACE-managed lands. They pose a high risk of starting wildfires that can damage recreation facilities and critical wildlife habitats.
Observe local fire restrictions. Wood fire bans are currently in place for all USACE recreation sites along the lower Snake River. Some locations can have varied restrictions, so check the information kiosks at recreation areas for site-specific fire restrictions and safety notices.
Follow good fire safety practices. Where allowed, use only properly designated areas for campfires and barbecues. Never leave a fire unattended. When finished, ensure that a fire is completely extinguished by drowning it in water and stirring the ashes. If charcoal briquettes are allowed, be sure they completely cool before disposal -- never dump hot coals onto the ground where they can ignite nearby vegetation. Be mindful of fire risks before lighting any wood, charcoal or gas fire.
Wear your life jacket. Each year about 6,000 people drown in the United States. This is the second leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 15 to 44 years of age. Most of these tragedies could have been prevented by simply wearing a life jacket.
Learn to swim and don't overestimate your skill. Once you know how to swim, ensure that you always swim with a buddy. It only takes an average of 60 seconds for an adult to drown. Don't rely on inner tubes or water toys to keep you afloat. Know your limits. Each year many people drown by overestimating their swimming skills and swimming beyond their limits.
Watch for floating hazards in the water. Floating wood – ranging in size from small twigs to telephone pole-sized logs – are often swept into rivers. The debris can pose a danger to boaters, swimmers and others out enjoying the water.
Do not dive or jump from cliffs or structures situated near the water. Walla Walla District prohibits cliff diving and jumping because of the associated dangers. Many cliffs have a shelf or shallow slope underneath the water line. What you can’t see is what could injure you.
Beware of cold water temperatures. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. This can happen in any season, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where water temperatures remain low all year.
Don't drink and boat. About half of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation involve alcohol use. This is about one in five reported boating fatalities. Just one beer might impair your balance, vision, judgment and reaction time, thus making you a potential danger to yourself and others. Don't include alcohol during your outing, if you are planning to have fun in, on, or near the water.
For more information on these and other water safety tips please visit the USACE water safety website at www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Recreation/National-Water-Safety_Program. For information about outdoor recreation opportunities in the Walla Walla District,
https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation.