OMAHA, Neb. – Drowning has claimed seven lives already this year at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recreation areas across the Midwest. A common factor in each of these incidents: none of the victims were wearing a life jacket.

USACE’s Northwestern Division has documented two drownings in Missouri, one in Kansas, two in South Dakota and two in Colorado. There also have been other drownings in the region along the Missouri River.

“We urge everyone who is on or near water to wear a life jacket,” said Jonathan Carlisle, Northwestern Division Natural Resources program manager. “Many people never intend to be in the water, but if it happens unexpectedly, it can be catastrophic.”

USACE data for its lands in 2024 shows that 91% of drowning victims are not wearing life jackets. That data also highlights that males are 94% of those who drown, and adults 18 and older are 87% of the victims. Notably, falling into water unexpectedly can cause involuntary gasping, injuries or disorientation, which make it more difficult to recover from the incident.

USACE officials urge users to take precautions, such as:

– Wearing a life jacket: it will help you survive an unexpected fall into the water and can save your life if you become exhausted.

– Knowing your swimming abilities: swimming in natural waters is different from swimming in a pool, and your swimming ability decreases with age.

– Expecting the unexpected: if you fall or jump into water that is colder than 70 degrees, you can inhale water from involuntary gasping.

– Knowing about “boater’s hypnosis”: something that slows your reaction time almost like intoxication.

– Eliminating alcohol consumption: Alcohol induces an inner ear condition (caloric labyrinthitis) that can cause disorientation when underwater.