KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Lake Life: it’s catchphrase, a lifestyle, a motto and (like so many things) even a hashtag. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District operates 18 lakes across Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska and we like to think of ourselves as “Lake Life Coaches”. As the summer comes to an unofficial close this Labor Day weekend, we want to offer water safety tips and Lake Life advice to live by.
Take it easy. Lake Life is about slowing down, relaxing and enjoying the simple things: the dull hum of passing boats, the feel of a reel spinning and the glint of sunlight on the water. The best way to focus on relaxing is by taking the time to plan ahead. Lifejackets are a simple way to make sure everyone stays safe around the water – bring them along, make sure they fit and most importantly – wear them!
Make memories. Lake Life is about escaping the daily grind and enjoying the moment: waving at strangers on boats, swim races with friends and netting the perfect catch. Make sure those memories stay positive by keeping safety in mind. Watch the weather, inspect equipment before you go and remember that your actions impact others. Responsible recreation is the key to making and keeping the memories.
Go on An Adventure. Lake Life is about making time for fun: taking a wild tube ride, exploring new shoreline and sharing your interests with others. No matter your ability, keep safety in mind. Know your limits, plan for the unexpected and take simple steps to protect yourself like swimming and boating in designated areas.
A few final tips this Labor Day weekend: wear your life jacket in and around the water, apply and reapply sunscreen, drink more water, unplug the screens, take an afternoon nap, and let everyone indulge in another smore. From all of us at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we encourage you to play safe this weekend and enjoy the Lake Life.
Will you be enjoying the Lake Life this Labor Day? Share it with us by tagging your social media posts with #LakeLifeUSACE and help us coach others on playing it safe and making Lake Life words to live by.
You can find us enjoying #LakeLifeUSACE at Blue Springs, Harry S. Truman, Long Branch, Longview, Pomme de Terre, Smithville, Stockton lakes in Missouri; Clinton, Hillsdale, Kanopolis, Melvern, Milford, Perry, Pomona, Tuttle Creek and Wilson lakes in Kansas; Harlan County Lake in Nebraska and Rathbun Lake in Iowa.