A life jacket loaner program is being offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Southwest Arkansas lakes to help improve water safety.
The Corps of Engineers urges boaters to wear life jackets and encourages free life jacket loan programs for lake visitors who don't have life jackets, said Laurie Driver, Corps of Engineers spokesperson.
Life jacket loaner stations are at some parks on Millwood, Dierks, De Queen, Greeson, DeGray and Gillham lakes.
"If you visit a lake without a life jacket, borrow one from us. Life jacket loaner boards help ensure park visitors have the chance to safely enjoy water activities. The loaner program has limited quantities of life jackets for children and adults, so use it for the day and return it," Driver said.
"A high number of people who drowned at Corps of Engineers lake or river projects didn't wear a life jacket. Life jackets save lives by keeping you afloat and providing time for rescue,"
she said.
"Most people who drown never intended to be in the water; they unexpectedly fell from a boat or dock into the water. When this happens, a person will reflexively gasp and can inhale up to one liter of water and drown in less than a minute," Driver said.
The Corps of Engineers also recommends swimming at a designated swim beach. These areas have been inspected to provide a safe swimming environment. At all Corps of Engineers beaches, people swim at their own risk. The Corps urges adults to watch children because most people drown within 10 feet of safety.
Many shorelines at Corps of Engineers lake and river projects have drop-offs, and a swimmer can be in water over his or her head instantly or pulled under by river currents.
"When on a lake or river be sure to wear a life jacket. It doesn't do you any good if you are using it for a seat cushion," Driver said.
For any lake visit, rangers offer the following additional swimming and boating tips:
Swimmers
- Your best defense is to learn to swim.
- Never swim alone.
- Never rely on toys like inner tubes or water wings.
- When in doubt, wear a life jacket.
- Never dive into lakes and rivers from cliffs or ledges.
- Lakes are big; don't overestimate your swimming skills.
- Swim only in designated areas.
- Watch your children-have a "Designated Child Watcher."
Boaters
- Wear a life jacket.
- Check your tow vehicle, trailer and boat.
- Check all safety equipment.
- File a float plan with a friend.
- Check the weather before launching.
- Don't swim for a boat that is drifting away; get another boater to retrieve it.
- Take a boating safety course.