ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Approximately 25 District staff participated in the Safe Boating Council’s “Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day” May 15.
As one of the leading lakeshore recreation providers, the Corps of Engineers is a strong supporter of water safety. The goal of this event is to heighten awareness of different life jacket types available and demonstrate their comfort and versatility.
The annual event is hosted by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC). It serves as a fun, educational element just prior to National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, the official launch of the 2015 North American Safe Boating Campaign.
According to the Center for Disease Control, each year over 3,400 people drown in the United States. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 1-14 years of age and the sixth leading cause for all ages. Surprisingly, two-thirds of the people who drown never had an intention of being in the water.
Many boaters may think there will be time to grab a life jacket and put it on before they go into the water. In reality, there often is no time and once in the water, it may be too late. It can only take 60 seconds for an adult to drown, and as little as 20 seconds for a child.
Today’s life jackets offer comfort, style and flexibility, with a wide range of models, sizes and colors available. You can find life jackets tailor-made for specific activities like water sports, angling, hunting, recreational boating and sailing.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the largest provider of water-based outdoor recreation in the nation with 404 lakes and river projects in 43 states. Visitors of all ages can enjoy traditional activities like hiking, boating, fishing, camping and hunting, and for those slightly more adventurous there is snorkeling, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and geo-caching. Ninety percent of our recreation areas are located within 50 miles of a major metropolitan center, so come for a visit!
For specific information about different types of life jackets and which one is right for you, visit: http://www.pfdma.org/