FORT WORTH, Texas – This 4th of July we celebrate our Nation’s 241st birthday. On this day our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence which established our country’s values and virtues. This document establishes our inalienable rights; Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Along with celebrating our Nation’s birthday, the holiday is also a great time to celebrate with family and friends. As you begin to plan various activities such as cookouts, parades, water activities, and fireworks, it is important to take time to think about safety. This calendar year alone there have been a total of 14 deaths. In many cases the use of a personal flotation device could have prevented these incidents.
“The individuals involved in these incidents are valued members of our community and when they result in death, loved ones are left behind to mourn them. I’m saddened by that, but also know that in many cases these tragedies could be avoided if individuals were wearing PFD’s and took basic safety precautions when out on our lakes,” said Fort Worth District Commander, Col. Calvin C. Hudson
If you or someone you know will be heading out to participate in any water activities, please ensure that they are aware of basic safety precautions. It could ultimately save their life.
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket when in or near the water
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Learn how to swim and swim within your limitations and abilities
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Swim only in designated areas and always swim with a buddy
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Children should always be supervised when in or near the water
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Do not dive from elevated areas such as bluffs, large rocks, trees, bridges, etc.
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Do not swim after floats that have drifted away nor rely on floats as life jacket substitutes
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Pay attention and comply with posted warnings and be mindful of exposed hazards
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Avoid alcohol and other drug use that impair physical ability and judgment
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Avoid risky behavior and challenges that could lead to injury or death
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Know the risks associated with boats, personal watercraft and other related activities.
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 Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/usacefortworth/
Release no. 17-017