Many Arkansans will be heading to area lakes for Independence Day and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is stressing water and boating safety while celebrating.
Corps of Engineers managed lakes will host free fireworks displays throughout the week of the holiday, including lakes Ouachita and DeGray. Fireworks and private parties are prohibited on Corps of Engineers lands and waters, a news release said.
On Lake Ouachita, annual fireworks displays will be held at Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa on Thursday and Brady Mountain Resort on Saturday.
On DeGray Lake, the DeGray Lake State Park will host fireworks on Thursday.
According to the release, thousands of people will take to Arkansas' waterways over the July Fourth holiday and the following weekend, making it crucial to follow important safety tips.
Amy Shultz, natural resource specialist for the Lake Ouachita Field Office, said Friday while Lake Ouachita is not crowded yet, the recreational areas are packed with visitors and "a lot of people have already set up camp on the islands."
"We are very, very busy, and have been for probably the last two weeks now," she said.
For the fireworks displays, Shultz said the Corps asks boaters be mindful of the crowded lake.
"We just ask that everyone be very careful when going out and coming back in for the fireworks," she said. "Use your lights and be sure to inspect your boat before heading out. Every year the Corps has to tow people back in because their boats won't start and they've gotten out too far."
According to USACE public recreation fatality statistics, 88 percent were male, 89 percent were not wearing a life jacket and 47 percent were swimming in areas not designated as a swimming area.
Boaters are required to have a properly sized life jacket in good condition and readily available on board for everyone in the boat, the release said. Life jackets cannot be stored under seats or in compartments. Children younger than 13 must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times while on board.
"Life jacket loaner boards are located at Corps of Engineers swim beaches for those who may have forgotten their life jacket at home. Please take one, use it for the day, and return it at the end of your trip," the release said.
Digital distractions and alcohol are also things the Corps stresses people be mindful of over the holiday. Shultz said two "close calls" have already occurred this season, one involving an intoxicated swimmer who swam out too far and needed to be rescued. The swimmer easily could have gone under, she said.
The other incident involved an overturned boat at the beginning of the season, which could have proven tragic but luckily was not, she said.
"In our district, we have already had some drownings this season," Shultz said, though none have taken place on Lake Ouachita.
As always, she said the Corps stresses knowing one's swimming ability as well as staying within the buoyed areas.
"The buoy line is there to keep boats out of the swimming areas," she said. "When you swim out past the buoys, the boats can't see you. This is especially critical at our Brady Mountain Rec Area because the swim beach is so close to the boat ramp."
If one encounters someone in distress in the water, Shultz said the Corps stresses not to attempt a water rescue by swimming to them because in a state of panic, the victim could pull the attempted rescuer under water, as well. It's best to call for help and try to reach the individual with a paddle, fishing pole, rope or stick, or throw them a flotation device. If in a boat, paddling to the individual and attempting a boat rescue is advised.
Shultz also stressed that a few activities may seem harmless on Corps lands and waterways, but are actually illegal because of the dangers involved.
Diving from bluffs, bridges and cliffs is prohibited on Lake Ouachita because submerged water hazards can be fatal. Shultz also said riding in the backs of pickup trucks, or on boats or other personal watercraft while on trailers is not allowed or safe.
Shultz said currently all RV sites with electricity in recreation areas on Lake Ouachita are occupied; however, there are still a few tent sites available, and an overflow camping area is also open at Crystal Springs Recreation Area over the Fourth of July weekend for visitors who wish to camp without electricity.
Call the Lake Ouachita Field Office at 501-767-2101 for more information.
Local on 06/29/2019