TULSA, Okla. — Days are getting shorter, leaves are starting to turn and the once warm breeze is starting to get crisp. With Labor Day weekend well behind us, summer has officially come to an end.
Over the last 12 months, the Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps was very busy promoting water safety. Rangers worked countless hours to get the word out at State Fairs, the Guthrie Wildlife Expo, multi-state boat shows and on everyday patrol in our parks. As a result, rangers made more than 200,000 personal contacts this past year and shared a water safety message with each of those individuals.
Our rangers and Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine troopers again handed out golden tickets to children caught wearing a life jacket. The ticket was actually a coupon that the child could redeem for a free Frosty frozen treat at any Oklahoma Wendy’s.
Safe Kids partnered with OHP and the Tulsa District Corps of Engineers because of the relationship between the agencies and Safe Kids. Safe Kids asked OHP troopers and Corps park rangers to hand out the tickets to the children because our rangers and troopers are the ones out making contact with the children and their families.
Safe Kids, OHP and Tulsa District also participated in a Water Safety Day July 13 and handed out almost 100 free life jackets to local children.
Along with the ranger’s efforts, and the efforts of our partners, we cannot fail to mention the efforts of our partners in the media. Television, radio, print, and web-based media in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas did a fantastic job of not only telling the water safety message, but doing it willingly. The actions of those stations speak volumes about their commitment to public service and to working with the Corps to help educate the public about water safety.
Even with the outstanding efforts of so many great employees and partners, unfortunately seven people still did not make it home after a day at a Tulsa District-managed lake. This is down from the yearly average of 17 drownings at Tulsa District lakes, which is good news, but still is seven too many.
The Corps would like to remind you that even though the dog days of summer are over, you should still keep water safety top of mind. Cold weather and hypothermia present hazards to our lake visitors in the cooler months, so take steps to prepare before going fishing or waterfowl hunting. Remember, water safety is everyone’s concern all year round, not just during the summer months. Be safe in whatever you choose to do when you’re in, around or near the water.