USACE urges water safety this Labor Day weekend

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reminding everyone to practice good water safety habits and to be courteous with each other over the upcoming Labor Day weekend.

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year at USACE parks and recreation areas.

“This year there have been more than 40 water related accidents and 17 fatalities in the Little Rock District,” said Little Rock District Commander, Col. Damon Knarr. “With more boaters and swimmers expected to be on the water across the region this weekend, we are asking visitors to be patient and courteous at boat launch ramps and to slow down and watch out for each other,” he continued.

In addition to large crowds, USACE is warning boaters to exercise additional caution while on the water. While current lake levels are not unusual for late summer reservoir operations, it may have been a few years since recreational boaters have seen these conditions at some of the district’s lakes. Plan extra time for arrival and departure at boat launch ramps in the event there are closures.

Officials urge boaters to take extra safety measures as some areas may encompass underwater obstacles such as land points, tree stumps, rock formations and standing timber. Boaters should use depth finders or other navigation resources, stay in main river channels and give the shoreline a wide birth.

USACE is asking everyone to wear their life jacket, don’t drink alcoholic beverages and operate a boat, never swim alone, and to swim and dive only in designated swim areas.

Following these safety tips can help make your family’s holiday a safe and enjoyable one.

Recreation information can be found on the Internet at www.swl.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/littlerockusace and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/usacelittlerock.