Labor Day weekend to focus on the Soldiers and water safety at Stillhouse Lake’s Dana Peak Park

Published Aug. 30, 2012

FORT WORTH, Texas - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Stillhouse Hollow Lake are prepared for the last high occupancy turnout at its facilities for the 2012 season with special emphasis being placed on Soldiers and their families.

Both Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Lakes have experienced increased numbers of visitors from the recent past for two main reasons, according to Belton and Stillhouse Lake Manager, Ronald Bruggman. To support the traditional last summer outing of the year, park rangers will increase patrols to ensure patrons are safe and informed. Activities and displays focusing on boating and water safety will also be available.

"This is the largest number of military that has been back to the Fort Hood area since 2003 and many are enjoying the outdoors at our facilities," said Bruggman. "Additionally, we are seeing a spike in our visitation numbers due to the near normal lake levels compared to the low lake levels last year."

There have been two deaths so far this year at both Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Lakes. Throughout the District, which oversees 25 lakes in the State of Texas, there have been 24 deaths. This equates to approximately a 33 percent decrease in fatalities over the same period last year.

Lake users whether swimming, boating or even just camping or picnicking should always think about potential emergency scenarios. Below are some good water safety practices that could save your life. Always keep safety a priority over fun and remember life jackets float but you don’t.

  • Wear a properly fitted life jacket when in or near the water
  • Learn how to swim and swim within your limitations and abilities
  • Swim only in designated areas and always swim with a buddy
  • Children should always be supervised when in or near the water
  • Do not dive from elevated areas such as bluffs, large rocks, trees, bridges, etc…
  • Do not swim after floats that have drifted away nor rely on floats as a life jacket substitute
  • Pay attention and comply with posted warnings and be mindful of exposed hazards
  • Avoid alcohol and other drug use that impair physical ability and judgment
  • Avoid risky behavior and challenges that could lead to injury or death
  • Know the risks associated with boats, personal watercraft and other water related activities

MEDIA AVAILABILTY: The Fort Worth District Park Rangers will be available for interviews at Dana Peak Park from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sept. 1.

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Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and SWF FaceBook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-District-US-Army-Corps-of-Engineers/188083711219308


Contact
Randy Cephus
817-886-1310

Release no. 12-041