Patch Holly Springs-Hickory Flat, GA --The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Allatoona Lake Project office in Cartersville is gearing up for seasonal recreation on Lake Allatoona, and bringing back several safety programs to aid lake goers.
Allatoona, which spans Cherokee, Cobb and Bartow counties, saw at least two drownings and a near drowning in 2012 and several in 2011.
Vessel Safety Checks by the U.S. Coast Guard are set to kick off this year on May 25 at Bartow's Blockhouse Ramp and other privately-owned marinas around the lake, including Victoria Harbor, Little River Marina and Harbor Town near Holly Springs and Hickory Flat.
"The goal is to educate boaters on the importance of wearing their life jackets and to always make safety a priority while boating and on the water," Park Ranger Stephen Cain said in a release.
The Corps' Life Jacket Loaner Program also is back in 2013 with life jacket loaner stations at all USACE-operated day-use and camping areas, including nearby Knox Bridge, Sweetwater, Victoria Park and Galt's Ferry day use areas. Corps' camping is available at Cherokee County's Payne, Sweetwater and Victoria campgrounds.
The program provides families with a safer option when a life jacket is left at home or doesn't fit properly. Safe Kids Cherokee County donated the life jackets for the program, with support from Northside Hospital.
The Ranger Trading Card Program, also available again, combines trading cards of USACE Allatoona Lake Park Rangers with water safety messages printed on the back. Children younger than 15 can collect cards by showing their knowledge of water safety and win prizes, including stickers, tattoos, beach towels and T-shirts from the Lake Allatoona Association, and life jackets. The Buddy Beaver Card also comes with prizes, such as White Water park passes; and for the first time ever, Zoo Atlanta passes. Participants must be spotted wearing a life jacket to receive a Buddy Beaver Card.
"We are grateful to Safe Kids Cherokee County and Lake Allatoona Association for their continued support of this program," said Park Ranger Stephen Cain. "We also appreciate Zoo Atlanta and Six Flags White Water for their donations to our Ranger Card Program for participants that receive the Buddy Beaver Card. Our supporters aid us in spreading the water safety message."
To learn more about Corps recreation and water safety programs, contact the Allatoona Lake Operations Project Management Office at 678-721-6700 or visit www.sam.usace.army.mil.
*Related Content*
· Safe on the Lake: Boating Safety
· Swim Safely and Avoid Drowning
· Life Jackets Save Lives Reported by Patch 22 hours ago.