Area businesses reward those caught wearing lifejackets at Kaskaskia River Project

Kaskaskia River Project - Kaskaskia River Project Park Rangers will be patrolling on the river on weekends throughout the summer trying to “catch” individuals wearing their life jackets.

Wearing a life jacket while on the water is extremely important for the safety of you and your loved ones, and this year the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with several local businesses are again teaming up to reward individuals wearing their lifejackets while on the Kaskaskia River. 

Individuals found wearing their life jacket while on or in the water may be rewarded with a special “I got caught wearing my life jacket at Kaskaskia River Project” t-shirt.  The t-shirts were provided courtesy of the Southern Illinois Transfer Company, Kaskaskia Regional Port District, Kaskaskia River Boat Club, Smitty’s at the Kaskaskia River Marina, Muddy Water’s Marina, Water Street Bar and Grill, Kaskaskia Mariners Association, FS, Dynegy, and the Lower Kaskaskia Stakeholders, Inc. 

Drowning is the Nation's fifth leading cause of accidental death, yet it is possible just by wearing a life jacket to significantly reduce drowning deaths.  Statistics show that 90 percent of those who drown at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes may have survived if they had worn a life jacket.  So the next time you say “It’s too hot!”, “It doesn’t look cool”, “I know how to swim”, or “Nothing is going to happen to me”, think twice and remember that the number one reason to wear your lifejacket is that it could save your life. 

Many new innovations and developments have produced a smaller, sleeker, and much more comfortable life jackets, leaving boaters with no reason not to wear it. Much like seat belts for individuals in an automobile, or a helmet to a biker or skate boarder, life jackets are an essential part of your boating safety equipment and should be worn at all times while on the water.  Be prepared and wear your life jacket while visiting the river and you may be the next winner caught!

For more information contact the Kaskaskia River Project Office at (618) 284-7160 or e-mail us at KaskyL&D@usace.army.mil.