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COE column
Walking in water can be dangerous
 By Michael Lapina, Chief Ranger
Looks are deceiving when it comes to being safe on
the lake. What appears to be a harmless sand bar connecting several
now-exposed islands can be deadly, so the US Army Corps of Engineers
is urging people to do several things to help keep them safe:
• Wear life jackets, even if you’re a good swimmer.
• Have a lookout on your boat to spot underwater
sandbars, stumps, rocks or other debris.
• Swim only in designated swimming areas (when
available).
• Always have a buddy nearby to keep track of where
you are.
Beware of drop offs
 This
summer with lower-than-average water levels, there are more
unexpected sudden drop offs close to the shoreline than unusual.
These can take even experienced swimmers by surprise. A number of
drownings have taken place because non swimmers stepped into deep
water without wearing life jackets.
Even when the lake is full, drop offs exist, and
people are encouraged to swim in designated areas that have gradual
slopes and have been cleared of debris and underwater hazards.
Because the lake is low, these designated areas are currently dry,
but this doesn’t mean that you can’t swim in the lake.
If you choose to swim in the lake, the adults in your
party should inspect the area while wearing life jackets. Think
about how quickly the slope takes you to deep water and also check
for underwater obstacles, like stumps, twigs and tangled fishing
line.
 Do
not try to walk across the natural sandbars that are partially
submerged. More than likely, the water on either side could be very
deep, because most of the sandbars are part of the original mountain
terrain that existed before the lake was formed. Sandbars can also
be the result of wind and wave action that forms a large sandbar
with very gradual slope on one side and a steep and abrupt drop off
on the other. Old Federal Day Use Park has one such a sand bar,
leading to an island and the Corps discourages people from walking
across it, even if they’re good swimmers.
Staying safe
First and foremost, always wear a life jacket, no
matter what your age or swimming ability. In addition to
encountering unexpected hazards, you can be safer if you experience
a cramp or tiredness while swimming.
It’s the law that youngsters under age 10 wear life
jackets while on moving boats, but it’s common sense that everyone
around the water wear one.
What if you accidentally go overboard from a moving
boat or you’re wakeboarding and fall? The surprise may momentarily
take your breath away or you could be injured. Having on a life
jacket can save your life. A PFD will keep you above water during
this time of chaos until you can be rescued. Some PFDs will even
turn you face up if you are knocked unconscious.
Secondly, learn to swim. There are many places to
take lessons that are affordable, and these lessons can be
invaluable if you plan to spend an extended time around the water.
Also, remember that noodles, floats and other
inflatable devices are not substitutes for life jackets that are
designed to keep you afloat with little or no effort on your part.
There’s no shame in wearing a life jacket, no matter
what your age. Doing so may save your life.
Editors’ Note: The Corps of Engineers has a complete
water safety campaign with information on its website at
http://lanier.sam.usace.army.mil/WaterSafety.htm. Also, in
cooperation with SAFE KIDS, there’s a life-jacket loaner program
available for day use. Full information is available at
www.safekidsgainesvillehall.org.
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