worth buying and wearing a properly fitted life jacket when you recreate on a

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers river or lake project?

Last year, 17 individuals drowned on Mobile District managed river and

lake projects located throughout Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and

Georgia. These fatalities didn’t have to happen and could have been

prevented if a few safety rules had been followed.

The Corps encourages everyone to recreate safely in, on and around

water. Remember: a child can drown in as few as 20 seconds; an adult in 60

seconds. It takes less than one minute to put on a life jacket, snap the clips

and ensure it fits properly.

To promote water safety and help prevent drownings, visitors can find life

jacket loaner stations at many Corps-operated recreation areas in the

Southeastern United States. Visitors can find information about

this program at gate houses located in our campgrounds and day use facilities.

To find the nearest corps project to you, please visit:

Always wear a life jacket when you are on a boat.

Most drowning victims knew how to swim, but did not intend to get in the

water and could not reach their lifejackets in time.

Always boat sober.

Always boat with a friend.

Use your running lights from dusk until dawn when you are on the water.

Always let someone on shore know where you plan to take the boat.

Check the weather before you put the boat in the water.

Know and follow the water “rules of the road.”

Learn how to swim.

Wear a life jacket, it could save your life.

Learn how to swim, but be aware that even good swimmers can drown. Know

your limits.

Swim with a buddy.

Swim in designated areas only.

Use your head and go feet first into the water.

Leave the water at the first sign of bad weather.

Watch your children- no reading, no phone, no nap.