News Release
| Release Number: | 06-067 |
| Dated: | 5/23/2006 |
| Contact: | Jennifer A. Sowell, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages the public to practice safety while enjoying the many forms of outdoor recreation on rivers and lakes in Oregon, especially during the busy Memorial Day weekend. The Corps is working to help recreation seekers stay safe while having fun in the water over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, and throughout the summer, by providing the following safety tips:
Alcohol and water don't mix
More than half of all drowning fatalities involve alcohol. Just one beer can impair balance, vision, judgment and reaction time. Research shows that four hours of boating, exposes people to noise, vibration, sun, glare and wind, producing fatigue that simulates drunkenness. Boating fatigue combined with alcohol consumption intensifies the effects and increases the risk of accidents. So remember, if you’re planning for fun in, on, or near the water, don't drink alcohol.
Tips for boaters
Before getting underway, ensure you are familiar with your boat, check for all required safety equipment and know the rules of the road. Visit http://www.cgaux.org/ for information on safe boating classes and free vessel safety checks. Also, view the Coast Guard website for federal regulations governing boating, http://www.uscgboating.org/.
Ensure all passengers wear a personal flotation device, carry extras on board and make sure all PFDs are U.S. Coast Guard approved and appropriately sized. Coast Guard law now requires PFDs for children age 12 and under, unless otherwise specified by state law. Become familiar with your state boating laws at http://www.osmb.state.or.us/ and http://www.parks.wa.gov/boating.asp.
Passing a boating safety course and obtaining an Oregon Boater Education Card is mandatory for boat operators 50 years of age or older. For course information, visit the Oregon State Marine Boards Web site at http://www.boat-ed.com/or/index.htm.
Don't overload your boat. Consider boat size, number of passengers and extra equipment needed before loading.
Check the weather forecast before you set out, carry a set of navigational charts on board and file a float plan with family or friends who are not on the vessel so someone staying behind knows where you are.
For additional boating information, such as anchoring and locking through safely, please visit the Corps’ online brochure page, https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/pa/pubs.asp.
Tips for swimmers
Drowning is the nation’s second leading cause of accidental death, yet it is possible -- just by wearing a personal flotation device -- to reduce drowning deaths. Statistics show that 90 percent of those who drown at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes may have survived if they had worn a PFD.
Please make your visit to any recreation area a safe and enjoyable one. Take note of the following water safety precautions – they could save your life.
o Learn to swim, but even then be sure to wear a PFD; don't take
chances by over-estimating your swimming skills.
o Watch your children at all times when around the water. Remem-
ber, it can take just a few seconds for a small child to wander
off and as little as eight seconds for a child to drown.
o Swim only in designated swimming areas.
o Never swim alone.
o Never dive into lakes and rivers, the results can be tragic.
All too often, hidden dangers lurk beneath the surface of the
water, including rock outcrops or shallow water.
o Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay
afloat.
o Reach or throw a floatation device to help someone in trouble.
Don't go in the water to try to save someone.
For more tips on how to be water safe, including cold water survival, boating and swimming tips, visit the Corps' water safety Web site at http://watersafety.usace.army.mil/. Also, be sure to visit Bobber the Water Safety Dog for a fun cartoon on life jacket safety at http://bobber.info/.
The Corps is our nation's largest federal provider of outdoor, water-based recreation. Nationwide, the Corps operates more than 2,500 recreation areas at 456 projects, and leases an additional 1,800 sites to state or local park and recreation authorities or private interests. In fact, about ten percent of the United States population visits a Corps park each year for hiking, fishing, camping, boating, hunting and other forms of recreation.
For recreational opportunities at Corps facilities in Oregon, visit our Web site at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/rec/home.asp. For information about the Corps' nationwide recreation programs, visit http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/.
Make your visit to any recreation area a safe and enjoyable one by remembering that water safety saves lives.