LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Multiple fatalities have already been reported on Arkansas lakes and rivers this summer, and experts are once again reminding people how to stay safe when boating or swimming.
One thing all boaters need to do is pay attention to river conditions.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently issued a small craft advisory for the Arkansas River before lifting it this week.
Alerts like those are issued based on how fast the water is flowing.
“Anything over 70,000 cubic feet per second is considered dangerous, so we put out a small craft advisory,” said Jay Woods, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Woods said that while the alerts don't force small craft off the water, he recommends it to boaters.
"That is not telling you that you can't get on the river,” Woods said. “We have no authority over that. We are advising you that is not safe."
But what about when river conditions are good?
Keith Stephens with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission said the best ways to stay safe are simple.
"Most of the fatalities that we have in the state end up with people who didn't wear their life jacket,” Stephens said.
Stephens also said educating people about water safety is essential and could even save lives.
"We've had about three fatalities so far this summer,” Stephens said, “Which is down, and we want to keep it that way. It's less than we've had in the past at the same time."
Here are a few final tips from experts:
- When boating or swimming, let people on land know where you're going
- Make sure you check the weather before going out
- Never drink when driving a boat