Corps reminds boaters to wear life jackets

Officials are reminding the public to be safe on the water this July Fourth weekend. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says safety starts with wearing a life jacket.

Government reports show people can drown for many reasons, including underestimating the power of water, overestimating swimming ability, boating accidents, falls or alcohol use.

The Corps says 90 percent of people who drown in Corps' lakes and rivers are not wearing life jackets.

Many sites managed by the Corps have life jackets that can be loaned out to people.

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The Corps' St. Paul District manages recreational sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota.

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A full list of sites can be found on the Corps' website.

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