CONCHAS DAM, N.M., -- On May 17, 2014, 16 people and one canine participated in the “Ready, Set, Wear It!” event at the dam.
"This is a fun event that recognizes the importance of wearing a lifejacket at all times while promoting water safety in the local community,” said Michael Vollmer, natural resource specialist with the Corps at Conchas. “The Conchas staff is extremely proud to partner with the New Mexico State Parks to participate in this event!”
The District partnered with New Mexico State Parks for the event. It was part of a global effort to set a world record for the most life jackets worn and inflatable life jackets inflated. The National Safe Boating Council, a coalition that advances and promotes boating safety through education, outreach and training, sponsored the event, now in its fifth year. Their goal is not only to promote the comfortable and versatile options when it comes to life jackets, but also to educate the public about life jackets and safe boating in general.
“Thank you Conchas for recognizing and supporting this event. The life-changing, life-saving importance of people wearing life jackets is evident to us every day!” said Mark Yuska, the District’s Operations Division chief.
Last year, 5,774 people and 57 of man’s best canine friends participated in 189 events in the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland and Japan. This year, organizers hope that not only was another world record set, but that the boating public learned more about the comfort and accessibility of inflatable life jackets.
The “Ready, Set, Wear It!” event ushered in National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, 2014. Each year it is scheduled as the first full week before Memorial Day weekend.