Missouri River Water Management News

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Boaters and swimmers reminded to wear life jackets

Published May 23, 2014
Waterfest at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Nebraska is held every two years and sponsored by several organizations to educate families and children about water, water safety and keeping water resources clean. Canoeing, fishing, life jacket fittings and educational presentations were among the events at the 2012 Waterfest. The 2014 Waterfest will be held June 7 at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Neb.

Waterfest at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Nebraska is held every two years and sponsored by several organizations to educate families and children about water, water safety and keeping water resources clean. Canoeing, fishing, life jacket fittings and educational presentations were among the events at the 2012 Waterfest. The 2014 Waterfest will be held June 7 at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Neb.

Waterfest at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Nebraska is held every two years and sponsored by several organizations to educate families and children about water, water safety and keeping water resources clean. Canoeing, life jacket fittings and educational presentations were among the events at the 2012 Waterfest. The 2014 Waterfest will be held June 7 at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Neb.

Waterfest at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Nebraska is held every two years and sponsored by several organizations to educate families and children about water, water safety and keeping water resources clean. Canoeing, life jacket fittings and educational presentations were among the events at the 2012 Waterfest. The 2014 Waterfest will be held June 7 at Holmes Lake in Lincoln, Neb.

OMAHA, Neb. - Before you head out for a day on or near the water, you're encourage to make sure you have life jackets for everyone and that they please wear them. 

On average, 9 out of 10 people who drowned at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake or river project didn’t wear a life jacket. Life jackets save lives by keeping you afloat and providing time for rescue. 

Most people who drown never intended to be in the water; they unexpectedly fell from a boat or dock into the water. When this happens, a person will reflexively gasp and can inhale up to one liter of water and drown in less than a minute.

Others get into trouble swimming out to retrieve a boat that floated away, or swimming in association with a boat.  Swimming in natural waters is not the same as swimming in a pool. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble and be gone within seconds. It takes an adult 60 seconds to drown and a child 20 seconds to drown. Swimming ability also decreases with age. 

Swim at a designated swim beach. These areas have been inspected to provide a safe swimming environment.  At all USACE beaches you swim at your own risk so adults please watch your children, because most people drowned within 10 feet of safety.  Many shorelines at USACE lake and river projects have drop offs and you can be in water over your head instantly or pulled under by the current.

Expect the unexpected – 9 out of 10 people who drowned didn’t wear the right fit or type of life jacket.


Contact
Jolene Hulsing
402-995-2506
jolene.m.hulsing@usace.army.mil
or
Eileen Williamson
402-995-2417
eileen.l.williamson@usace.army.mil

Release no. 20140523-001