U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to host Media Day in preparation for 4th of July Weekend at Temple Lake Park

Published June 28, 2013

FORT WORTH, Texas – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District’s Belton and Stillhouse Hollow Lake office will host a media day event at Temple Lake Park with area first responders on July 3 at 1:00 p.m. in preparation of the July 4 weekend to promote boating and water safety. 

As part of its ongoing initiatives to decrease accidents and fatalities on its area lakes, the Corps encourages visitors to have fun, stay safe, and make it home alive during the Fourth of July holiday.  

The Fort Worth District hosts 25 million visitors at its 25 lakes where people enjoy fishing, boating, hiking and more. While outdoor recreation is fun and healthy, the Corps reminds the public that water safety is also important. Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool. Statistics show that 90 percent of those who drown at USACE lakes and rivers may have survived if they had worn a life jacket.  

“It’s important to expect the unexpected,” said Col. Charles H. Klinge, Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District.  “Even the best swimmers can underestimate their ability to swim and can quickly get into trouble, that’s why it is so important wear a life jacket in and around the water.”  

With the upcoming holiday, the Corps’ goal is to urge visitors to go out and enjoy the lakes, but also educate them on following water safety rules and avoid risky behavior in and around the water. The Corps anticipates these efforts will help prevent a fun outing from turning into a tragic accident. 

While having a blast this holiday here are some water safety tips to help ensure you return home to those you love.

  • Wear a life jacket.
    • Statistics show that 90 percent of those who drown at USACE lakes and rivers may have survived if they had worn a life jacket.
    • Drowning is the nation’s second leading cause of accidental death.
    • Accidents happen, even to responsible boaters. A life jacket can provide time for rescue.
  • Know your swimming ability.
    • Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool because a swimmer can tire more quickly and get into trouble.
    • Conditions can change quickly in open water.
    • Swim in designated areas and wear a life jacket. A life jacket will help conserve energy and provide flotation.
  • Be a “Water Watcher.”
    • When on or near the water watch your children.
    • A child can drown in 20 seconds
    • Drowning happens quickly and quietly. A drowning victim’s head will be back, they will be gasping for air, they will not be yelling, and their arms will be slapping the water as though trying to climb out of the water. 
  • Avoid exhaust fumes around boats.
    • Carbon monoxide, an invisible killer, can accumulate anywhere in or around boats regardless of what type of boat.  Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors on and inside your boat.  Maintain a fresh circulation of air through and around your boat at all times. 
    • Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include eye irritation, headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness.  Know the signs and stay alive. 
    • Avoid areas around boats where exhaust fumes may be present. Do not let friends swim under or around the boarding platform where fumes can accumulate.

– 30 – 

Editor’s Note:  Interested media should contact Park Ranger Brad Arldt at 254-939-2461 or Randy Cephus at 817-886-1310 NLT July 2 at 2:00 p.m.   

 

About the Fort Worth District: The Fort Worth District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was established in 1950. The District is responsible for water resources development in two-thirds of Texas, and design and construction at military installations in Texas and parts of Louisiana and New Mexico.  Visit the Fort Worth District Web site at: www.swf.usace.army.mil and SWF Face book at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-District-US-Army-Corps-of-Engineers/188083711219308


Contact
Randy Cephus
817-886-1310

Release no. 13-040