ST. PAUL, MN – (USACE) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is encouraging water-vessel operators and passengers to take the safe-boating pledge and exercise caution while enjoying their favorite water-based activities this holiday weekend.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the nation’s leading providers of outdoor recreation with over 400 lake and river projects, and wearing an approved life jacket is the simplest life-saving strategy for recreational boaters.

– In the past 10 years, 88 percent of all Corps of Engineers water-related fatalities were men and 68 percent were between the ages of 20 and 60
– 84 percent of those killed in water-related accidents were not wearing life jackets, and 27 percent of boating fatalities were from falls overboard
– The activity that caused the most water-related fatalities was swimming in undesignated areas.

If you or a loved one are on or near the water, remember to wear a life jacket, don’t’ drink and boat, keep an eye on children and inexperienced swimmers, swim with a friend and avoid water-based activities during severe weather.

Please remember a properly-fitting life jacket can make all the difference – find out which life jacket style is best for your boating activity at www.SafeBoatingCampaign.com.