KANSAS CITY, Mo.,— Memorial Day Weekend marks the first three day weekend of the summer, as well as one of the busiest weekends of the year at area lakes. Whether you are planning a day trip to the lake or making reservations to stay at a campsite over night, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District wants visitors to be safe and not a statistic.
The Kansas City District manages 18 lakes throughout Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska that attract more than 15 million visitors annually. In 2013, 25 percent of the fatalities at Kansas City District lakes occurred during holiday weekends. The average age of the fatality victims was 36 years-old and all victims were male. Alcohol was involved in the deaths of more than half the victims.
Don’t be a statistic this holiday weekend, remember these safety tips:
Wear your life jacket – don’t just carry one on board
Leave alcohol behind to increase your safety and decrease your risk
Check your boat for all required safety equipment – it’s the law
Never swim alone
For more information on Public Safety with the Kansas City District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers go to www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/DistrictLakes/Safety.
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Release no. PA-2014-23