The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, is marking National Safe Boating Week, May 17–23, by urging boaters on the Mississippi River to prioritize safety.
Sam Mathiowetz, chief of locks and dams, reminds boaters that while the river is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, it comes with hazards such as tow boats, dangerous currents near locks, and submerged debris.
Boaters are encouraged to:
- Wear a life jacket
- Avoid heavy alcohol use—a factor in 70% of water-related deaths, according to the CDC
- Note that 90% of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets
Additional safety tips include:
- Tell someone your boating plans
- Monitor weather conditions
- Take a boater safety class
- Stay clear of restricted lock and dam areas
- Keep an anchor onboard
- Use Marine Channel 14 for navigation traffic
- Follow all instructions from lock operators
- Watch children closely
For more information, visit usace.army.mil or bobber.info.