CONCORD, Mass. – With warmer spring weather arriving in New England more people are making plans to recreate near or in the water this upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend and through the summer. Now is a good time to start thinking about water safety for you and your family.

Each year, an average of 3,880 people drown in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, drowning is one of the leading causes of injury death for children aged 1 - 4.

For those recreating near or in the water this holiday weekend or during the summer, they can reduce the chance of a drowning accident just by wearing a life jacket or taking other precautions. From the most recent available USCG statistics dated May 22, 2017, of the 701 recreational boating fatalities in 2016, 80 percent were drownings, and 83 percent of those victims were not wearing life jackets. The U.S. Coast Guard counted 4,463 accidents that involved 701 deaths, 2,903 injuries and approximately $49 million of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents in 2016. Of those recreational boating-related fatalities, 77 percent involved boat operators who had not received any boating safety instruction. These USGS statistics are available at: www.uscgboating.org/.

National Safe Boating Week will be observed May 19-25, 2018. Water safety officials urge everyone to learn more about safe boating practices and always engage in responsible conduct while on the water. America’s rivers, lakes and oceans are excellent places for boaters to gather with family and friends while enjoying the outdoors. As they do so, it is important that individuals avoid risky behavior that can lead to boating accidents. Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed and machinery failure rank as the top five primary contributing factors in boating accidents. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

To help ensure that individuals stay safe on America’s waterways, the U. S. Coast Guard urges boaters to take basic safety precautions such as wearing a life jacket, participating in a boat safety course, getting a vessel check, and never boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. By practicing responsible boating habits, people can help contribute to a safer, more enjoyable experience on the water. Here are some safety tips to help recreation seekers stay safe in the water at federal recreation areas.

                                                               Watch your children

It only takes a child an average of 20 seconds to drown, according to water safety officials. Watch your children at all times when around the water. Don’t let them wander very far from the adults and never let them go near or into the water unless you know it.      

                                                Alcohol and water activities don't mix

Alcohol use is a leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Just one beer can impair balance, vision, judgment and reaction time. Research shows that about four hours of boating – with exposure to noise, vibration, sun, glare and wind – produces fatigue that simulates drunkenness. Boating fatigue combined with alcohol consumption intensifies the effects of both and increases accident risks. 

                                                       Boaters should know the rules

There are approximately 11.8 million recreational vessels registered in the U.S. Boaters should take appropriate safety classes, be familiar with state laws and have proper safety equipment onboard. Many states require boater education or boat operator licenses. As an added incentive, some insurance companies offer discounts to boaters who have successfully completed a boating safety course. While boating make sure you and your passengers wear a life jacket. Don't just carry one on board.  Make sure it is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and appropriately sized. Most states require children under the age of 13 to wear life jackets. Know your state law! Don't overload the boat (consider boat size, number of passengers and extra equipment before loading). Check your boat for all required safety equipment. Carry a set of navigational charts. Check the weather forecast. File a boat plan with family or friends who are not on the vessel so in case something does happen or you are late returning someone will know your approximate whereabouts.

                                                        Learn to swim/know your limits

Surprisingly, about two-thirds of those who drown never had the intention of being in the water. Never dive head first into lakes and rivers – the results can be tragic. Never rely on toys such as inner tubes and water wings to stay afloat. Don't take chances by over-estimating your swimming skills or give in to peer pressure. Reach or throw a floatation device to help someone in trouble; don't go in the water! Swim only in designated swimming areas. Use the buddy system and never swim alone. About half of all drowning victims are alone when they drown. It’s smart to take swimming lessons and learn to swim.

Water safety should be a top priority for everyone using the nation’s waterways and lakes this upcoming holiday weekend and through the summer. Millions of people visit Corps recreation areas nationwide annually (corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/). Make your visit to a recreation area a safe and enjoyable one. Water safety precautions save lives – maybe even your own. The Corps water safety campaign “Life Jackets Worn…Nobody Mourns” helps people become more aware of the importance of water safety practices.

                                                 Federal recreation areas in New England

There are many opportunities to enjoy recreation at federal reservoirs and the Cape Cod Canal in New England this upcoming Memorial Day weekend and through the summer. Most areas feature small lakes with facilities designed for day use such as picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing and hunting. A few facilities have overnight camping. Most Corps-managed recreation areas are open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September. Beaches and boat ramps are available at many reservoirs in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont. For details visit the District web site at www.nae.usace.army.mil/ and select “recreation” and then select your state and nearest location on the map.