May 26, 2021
2021 Water Safety Message to Commanders
USACE Leaders - On behalf of MG Butch Graham, DCG-CEO, attached is the 2021 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 similar to last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to reinforce our attention to water safety.

The FY 2011-2020 USACE Public Recreation Fatalities Information developed by the USACE National Operations Center (NOC) for Water Safety shows that 88 percent were men, 85 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 is the "Life Jackets Worn...Nobody Mourns" National Water Safety Campaign that targets adults. Please take full advantage of this campaign and its 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., SES
US Army Corps of Engineers

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