WEBVTT

00:10.579 --> 00:12.468
Hi , I'm Brigadier General George

00:12.468 --> 00:14.690
Walter , commander of the US Army Corps

00:14.690 --> 00:16.912
of Engineers Southwestern Division . As

00:16.912 --> 00:19.135
we enter the summer recreation season ,

00:19.135 --> 00:21.246
we are committed to ensuring that our

00:21.246 --> 00:23.357
visitors to all of our lake and river

00:23.357 --> 00:25.190
projects have a safe , enjoyable

00:25.190 --> 00:27.357
experience . As summer approaches , it

00:27.357 --> 00:29.357
is important to remember that while

00:29.357 --> 00:31.412
water offers fun and relaxation , it

00:31.412 --> 00:33.468
can also pose significant risks . In

00:33.468 --> 00:35.635
recent years , on average , there have

00:35.635 --> 00:37.801
been more than 3500 drowning incidents

00:37.801 --> 00:40.023
across the United States . The majority

00:40.023 --> 00:41.690
of these fatal accidents were

00:41.690 --> 00:43.912
preventable when following proper water

00:43.912 --> 00:46.023
safety procedures . Life jackets save

00:46.023 --> 00:48.190
lives . Nearly 85% of drowning victims

00:48.190 --> 00:50.023
were not wearing a life jacket ,

00:50.023 --> 00:52.135
whether you're boating , fishing , or

00:52.135 --> 00:54.246
simply enjoying the water . Make sure

00:54.246 --> 00:56.357
everyone is wearing a properly fitted

00:56.357 --> 00:58.301
life jacket . If you're swimming ,

00:58.301 --> 01:00.523
always stay in designated areas , never

01:00.523 --> 01:02.579
swim alone , and keep a close eye on

01:02.579 --> 01:02.490
children because most water-related

01:02.490 --> 01:04.379
accidents occur when there are no

01:04.379 --> 01:06.601
lifeguards on duty . If you're going to

01:06.601 --> 01:08.712
be on the water , be prepared . Check

01:08.712 --> 01:10.434
your boat for essential safety

01:10.434 --> 01:12.601
equipment , including first aid kits ,

01:12.601 --> 01:14.601
fire extinguishers , and flares . I

01:14.601 --> 01:16.434
urge all boaters to follow local

01:16.434 --> 01:18.546
regulations and remember that alcohol

01:18.546 --> 01:20.601
impairs judgment . Drink responsibly

01:20.601 --> 01:20.430
when you're on the water if you drink

01:20.430 --> 01:22.790
at all . Lastly , always pay attention

01:22.790 --> 01:24.568
to water conditions and weather

01:24.568 --> 01:26.734
forecasts . Changing weather and water

01:26.734 --> 01:28.734
conditions can increase the risk of

01:28.734 --> 01:30.734
drownings or other incidents . This

01:30.734 --> 01:32.846
recreation season . Enjoy the water .

01:32.846 --> 01:34.957
Stay safe . Remember , life jackets ,

01:34.957 --> 01:37.123
awareness and preparation can make all

01:37.123 --> 01:36.360
the difference .