Local community to assist U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in water safety awareness efforts

Published May 20, 2014

FORT WORTH, Texas – With the aid of the local community, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Whitney Lake will launch its annual water safety awareness campaign, May 16 to stress boating and water safety.

The awareness campaign begins at Whitney Elementary School, where staff and teachers will wear life jackets in support of “Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day,” from 11 to 11:30 a.m.  Brookshire's grocery store employees will wear life jackets in support of the national event as well from 11:45 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

Sonic Drive-In employees will support water safety efforts through displaying signage and having car hops wear life jackets during their lunch rush hour from 12:15 to 12:50 p.m.  They will also hand out water safety items to each customer during the lunch hour.

“Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of increased recreational activities at our lakes, said Fort Worth District commander, Lt. Col. Neil Craig.  “This increased visitation to our facilities runs through Labor Day so we wanted to get out front and begin water safety awareness early.”

The water safety awareness campaign culminates with a boat patrol availability that will launch from Lofers East campground off Hwy 22 at 1 p.m. During this 30-minute patrol of the lake, Craig and park rangers will be on hand to discuss water safety issues at Whitney Lake.

“It is great to see the local community getting behind this very important initiative and through this partnership we can all do our part in promoting safe water and boating practices,” added Craig. 

Interested media should contact Denisha Braxton no later than 4 p.m. May 15 at 817-886-1435 or email at denisha.l.braxton@usace.army.mil.

-30-

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
Denisha Braxton
817-886-1435

Release no. NR14-026