NR 12-024: Corps partners with merchants to promote water safety

Published July 3, 2012

SOMERSET, Ky. (July 3, 2012) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Cumberland partnered with Big Lots of Somerset, Ky., June 30 and July 1 to promote water safety.

Manager Judy Whittaker contacted a Corps of Engineers ranger to discuss setting up a water safety booth to bring public awareness to their customers.  The event was held the weekend prior to the July 4 holiday and attracted a large crowd as many were preparing for holiday activities either at home or on Lake Cumberland. 

Although none were at Lake Cumberland, there have been six deaths by drowning in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District lakes this fiscal year to date, according to Carolyn Bauer, natural resource specialist in Nashville.  None were wearing life jackets.

“”This is half the number of fiscal 11 drownings we had at district lakes as of July 3, 2011 so we will continue to prioritize promoting water safety,” Bauer said. 

“As a federal agency the Corps cannot endorse a business, product or service, but we greatly appreciate this partnering effort to help promote water safety on our lakes,” said Ashley Glyn-Jones, park ranger at Lake Cumberland.

If interested in having the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers set up a water safety booth at an event or business, please call 606-679-6337 or stop by 855 Boat Dock Road Somerset, KY.  For a list of surrounding booths we will be participating in visit www.facebook.com/lakecumberland.
Contact
Bill Peoples
615-736-7161
william.l.peoples@usace.army.mil
or
Lee Roberts
615-736-7161
leon.a.roberts@usace.army.mil

Release no. 12-024