WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the beginning of summer and serves as the official kick-off for seasonal recreation outdoor fun.
Now is the time to start thinking about water safety. Each year, approximately 4,000 people drown in the United States. In fact, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children. Yet, it is possible – just by wearing a life jacket or taking other precautions – to reduce drowning deaths.
In 2012, of the 651 recreational boating fatalities, 459 were by drowning. Almost 85% of drowning victims were not reported wearing a life jacket. These USGS statistics are available at: www.uscgboating.org.
National Safe Boating Week is May 18-24. Water safety officials urge everyone to learn more about safe boating practices and always engage in responsible conduct while on the water. America’s rivers, lakes and oceans are excellent places for boaters to gather with family and friends while enjoying the outdoors. As they do so, it is important that individuals avoid risky behavior that can lead to boating accidents. Factors such as careless and reckless operation, inattention and excessive speed contribute to accidents.
As the nation's largest federal provider of water-based outdoor recreation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides visitors a wide range of recreational opportunities, and the safety of these visitors is the Corps' highest priority. To help individuals stay safe, the Corps urges boaters to take basic safety precautions. By practicing responsible boating habits, people can help contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience on the water. Here are some safety tips from the Corps’ Walla Walla District to help recreation seekers stay safe in the water at federal recreation areas over the Memorial Day holiday weekend and through the summer months.
1) Wear a life jacket. State law requires that a lifejacket is available for every person on board a boat, and children 12 and under must have it on while underway.
2) Watch your children. It only takes a child an average of 20 seconds to drown. Be a water watcher and designate someone to always watch children or any person with special needs while on or around the water.
3) Know your limits. Don’t give in to peer pressure about jumping off a bluff or swimming farther than you should. Recognize your limitations and stay within them.
4) Safe boating. Take a boating safety course. Know the rules before you boat. The U.S. Coast Guard reports that the majority of boating-related fatalities involve operators who have not received any boating safety instruction.
5) Alcohol and water don’t mix. More than half of all drowning deaths are related to alcohol consumption. In the Corps’ Walla Walla District, recreation areas where the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited include:
-- Mill Creek Dam and Bennington Lake, Washington -- All Corps-managed lands and waters.
-- Ice Harbor Lock and Dam, Washington -- Charbonneau, Levey, Fishhook, and Windust Parks, located on Lake Sacajawea upstream of the dam.
-- McNary Lock and Dam, Washington and Oregon -- Hood Park, located on Lake Wallula near the Snake River confluence.
-- Little Goose Lock and Dam, Washington -- Little Goose Lock and Dam Visitor Recreation Area, located below the dam tailrace on the south side of the Snake River.
-- Lower Granite Lock and Dam, Washington -- Green Belt Boat Launch, Chestnut Beach, and Swallows Park day-use recreation areas, located on Lower Granite Lake.
-- Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, Idaho -- Powerhouse Road fishing area, located below the dam tailrace on the west side of the North Fork of the Clearwater River.
The long weekend also marks a major increase in traffic and congestion on our highways, an increase in outdoor recreation at our nation's many parks and recreational areas and warrants caution to ensure that all are safe throughout their activities.
Go to the Walla Walla District website, www.nww.usace.army.mil and click on the Recreation information link to get the latest information on outdoor recreation opportunities near you.
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