Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Sandra Arnold | Mayor Joe Jaworski, City of Galveston, recognizes Col. Christopher Sallese, U.S. Army...... read more read more
Subscribe
GALVESTON, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, will kick off its summer water safety campaign April 1 in time for the busy recreational water season.
As the leading provider of outdoor recreation on all federally-managed public lands in the U.S., the Corps has a dedicated focus on water safety by putting “safety first” and becoming “water aware” when participating in water-related recreational activities.
“The arrival of the summer months brings an increased level of outdoor activities throughout the State of Texas, especially with outdoor recreation involving water activities on public beaches, swimming pools, boating and other aquatic-related activities,” said Col. Christopher W. Sallese, Galveston District commander. “The Corps understands the important role that education plays in saving lives and requests the assistance of community leaders, volunteers and the public to partner with us to help reduce public fatalities and improve public safety at our lakes, recreational areas and public facilities.”
As part of the water safety campaign, the Corps has partnered with local governments across the State of Texas in order to proclaim April 1 as USACE Galveston District’s Water Safety Program Kick-off Day.
On March 24, the City of Galveston presented Sallese and Twila Lindblade, a representative of U.S. Congressman Ron Paul’s office, with a proclamation supporting the Corps’ efforts to communicate water safety information to families, whether owners of private pools, users of public swimming facilities or visitors to Texas beaches and water parks.
“We the mayor and city council, by virtue of the authority vested by the City of Galveston, Texas, do proclaim April 1, 2011, as USACE Galveston Water Safety Kick-off Day,” said City of Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski. “We urge each and every citizen to join in recognizing this day.”
Jaworski also thanked Sallese for the Corps’ efforts in repairing the Galveston Seawall following damage sustained from Hurricane Ike.
The County of Matagorda is scheduled to present a similar proclamation March 28, Nueces County March 30 and Cameron County March 31.
“We encourage residents to raise their awareness of water recreation safety issues and participate in water-safety programs conducted by trained and certified professionals,” said Kristine Brown, a park ranger with USACE Galveston and water safety program manager. “It is imperative that we educate the public about water safety, as drowning is the number two fatality in the U.S. for children 13 and younger with vehicle accidents being number one.”
Brown, Corps park rangers and USACE Galveston District staff continually provide water safety tips and lifejacket demonstrations to the public through outreach activities scheduled throughout the year.
In Matagorda County, Texas, Simon DeSoto, lockmaster at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Colorado River Locks, visited students at the Matagorda Independent School District to discuss the importance of water safety before the children were released for spring break in early March. In Jefferson County, Texas, Corps Park Ranger Ruth Millsaps provided a water safety information booth during “Marsh Madness” at McFaddin Wildlife Refuge March 26. In Houston, Brown presented a water safety program to local elementary school children in conjunction with Texas Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids Houston March 26.
Upcoming events include:
Friday, April 1, 9 a.m.
April Pool’s Day
Houston Texans YMCA
5202 Griggs
Houston, Texas 77021
The Corps will participate in a press conference with local agencies as part of Safe Kids Houston kicking off the water safety campaign.
Point of Contact, Park Ranger Kristine Brown
Houston Project Office
Saturday, April 16
Picnic in the Park
The Corps will present water safety to mental health students at George Bush Park located in Barker Reservoir.
Point of Contact: Park Ranger Kristine Brown
Houston Project Office
The last Thursday of each month in April, May, June, July and August
Children’s Museum of Houston
The Corps will assist in presenting water safety to children during a free night at the museum.
Point of Contact, Park Ranger Kristine Brown
Houston Project Office
For more information and tips on water safety, visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website at http://watersafety.usace.army.mil/.
| Date Taken: | 03.28.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.28.2011 10:13 |
| Story ID: | 67859 |
| Location: | GALVESTON, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 280 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USACE Galveston to launch summer water safety campaign, by Isidro Reyna, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT