May 26, 2022
2022 USACE Water Safety Message
On behalf of MG Butch Graham, DCG-CEO, attached is the 2022 Water Safety Message for Commanders. USACE is fully committed to ensuring that visitors to our lake and river projects have a safe and enjoyable experience. While water safety is a priority throughout the year, as we approach the primary recreation season and anticipate a surge of visitors, we need to reinforce our attention to water safety.

The F Y 2012-2021 USACE Public Recreation Fatalities Information developed by the USACE National Operations Center (NOC) for Water Safety shows that 88 percent were men, 87 percent were 18 and older, and 89 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Keep in mind these statistics and the other information in the report when implementing water safety initiatives within your command.

The actions, commitment and professionalism of our park rangers, managers and others have been instrumental in educating the public regarding water safety and reducing public recreation fatalities and injuries. A key part of our program are the "Life Jackets Worn...Nobody Mourns" National Water Safety Campaign that targets adults and Bobber the Water Safety Dog National Water Safety Campaign that targets children. Please take full advantage of these campaigns and their resources.

Please distribute this memorandum throughout your command. The Point of Contact for this matter is Pam Doty, National Water Safety Program Manager (817) 886-1727, Pamela.J.Doty@usace.army.mil.

Respectfully,

Tom

Thomas P. Smith, P.E., PMP, SES

Chief Operations and Regulatory, NAD – LRD RIT

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