May 15, 2019
2019 Water Safety Message
Attached is the 2019 Water Safety Message signed by MG Scott Spellmon, DCG- CEO and sent to all MSC and District Commanders and MSC/District Operations Chiefs by Thomas P. Smith, Chief of Operations and Regulatory.

Reducing the number of water-related public recreation fatalities is not always an easy thing to do, but we must continue to make water safety a priority because every life is worth saving.

Besides the public safety message, I would like to also direct your attention to an important employee safety topic that you should also keep in mind.

Please ensure that all personnel who is authorized to wear an automatic-inflatable life jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard approved for commercial use adheres to the Safety and Health Requirements Manual EM 385-1-1 Section 05.J.02 and 05.J.03. Keep in mind that the standard commercial auto-inflatable life jacket does not meet these requirements. Inflatable life jackets must be inspected before every use and periodically throughout the year, maintained, stowed, and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Personnel shall be trained in the use and in-water testing is required for all users so that wearers become familiar with the feel and performance of the life jacket. To ensure employee safety, any personnel that does not comply with the criteria in EM 385-1-1 regarding automatic-inflatable life jackets shall not be allowed to wear one.

As noted in Mr. Smith's email "National Safe Boating Week" begins on Saturday May 18th and concludes on Friday May 24th, just before our busy Memorial Day Holiday weekend. Additionally, "Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day" is Friday May 17th. Please increase awareness of water and boating safety by participating where you can.

If you have any questions about on this information or anything else regarding water safety contact Pam Doty, National Water Safety Program Manager at 817- 886-1727 or pamela.j.doty@usace.army.mil.

Thank you and always be safe,
Jeff

Jeffrey F. Krause
Chief, Natural Resources Management

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