Don’t end this summer as a number

Published Sept. 2, 2020
Wear a life jacket

Wear a life jacket

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – As we close out the warm summer months this Labor Day weekend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District encourages you to not end this summer as a statistic and to practice water safety this weekend. We urge visitors to be vigilant, understand the importance of water safety and to expect the unexpected in and around the water.

Always wear your life jacket. Wearing a life jacket can increase the chance of survival drastically, so when swimming, wading, floating, or playing in open water please wear a life jacket that fits properly. There are many different styles of life jackets suitable for different uses - be sure to select the proper life jacket for your activity.

Inspect your safety equipment before you leave this weekend. If the equipment is broken or damaged it will not function as intended and may leave you or others in a poor situation. Safety equipment can include life jackets, batteries, fire extinguishers, ropes, lights, horns, blower motor and first aid kits.

Know before you go. Check the weather forecast, water conditions and the status of your destination. The Midwest is known for rapid weather changes. Don’t get caught on the water in serve weather. Plan accordingly and be prepared for sudden changes.

“Whether kayaking, swimming or fishing, we want all our visitors to exercise good judgment when on or around the water,” says Angelia Lentz, Tuttle Creek Lake natural resource specialist. “We encourage everyone to wear a life jacket and to remember that boating and alcohol are a bad combination. We want all our visitors to have a great time, but the most important thing is their safety.”

When around the water always wear a life jacket and boat responsibly. For more water safety information visit or follow pleasewearit.com.


Contact
Public Affairs Office
816-389-3486
CENWK-PA@usace.army.mil

Release no. 20-122