ST. PAUL, Minn. – May 21-27 is National Safe Boating Week and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to remind everyone to be safe as they enjoy their favorite water based activities.
If you haven’t shopped for a life jacket in a while, you will be surprised by the variety of new styles available. There are many designs that are far more comfortable than the choices in the past. Please take the time to find a jacket that is comfortable for you and make a commitment to wear it while on the water.
Here are some more safety tips:
Boaters:
- Take a safe boating course;
- Ensure all required safety equipment is onboard and serviceable;
- Wear your life jacket – don’t just carry one on board; and
- Check the weather forecast and file a float plan with a friend of family member.
Swimmers:
- Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay afloat;
- Don’t overestimate your swimming skills; and
- Swim only in designated swimming areas and never swim alone.
The Corps reminds boaters to exercise caution and be vigilant when boating in the area because rivers currents are strong. Submerged logs and other debris below the water’s surface can cause severe damage. Always wear your life vest, as events can happen quickly.
For more information on how to be safe while on the water, please visit: http://watersafety.usace.army.mil/
The nearly 600 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, employees working at more than 40 sites in five upper-Midwest states serve the American public in the areas of environmental enhancement, navigation, flood damage reduction, water and wetlands regulation, recreation sites and disaster response. Through the Corps’ Fiscal Year 2015 $100 million budget, nearly 1,600 non-Corps jobs were added to the regional economy as well as $155 million to the national economy. For more information, see www.mvp.usace.army.mil.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District
– Celebrating 150 years of service to the Upper Midwest –
1866-2016