Army Corps of Engineers at Lewisville Lake announce zebra mussel and water safety concerns

FORT WORTH, Texas - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lewisville Lake are prepared for a fun filled and safe Labor Day weekend. Park rangers along with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens will be in and out of the water to ensure patrons are safe and informed. Lewisville Lake is visited by over a million people annually and is one of the most visited lakes in Texas. Unfortunately, there have been seven deaths so far this year at Lewisville Lake. Overall for the 25 lakes the Fort Worth District operates there have been 23 deaths.

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.

• 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

Always keep safety a priority over fun and remember life jackets float and you don’t.

Clean, Drain, and Dry is the recommended procedure to help stop the spread of zebra mussels. More information is available at http://www.texasinvasives.org/.

MEDIA AVAILABILTY: The Fort Worth District Commander, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department representatives and Park Rangers will be available at the boat ramp at Westlake Park (map),1:00 p.m., August 31. Demonstration of proper zebra mussel prevention techniques and a boat tour of the lake will be provided.

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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