RAYSTOWN LAKE, Pa. -- The Raystown Lake project, owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District reminds visitors of the importance of practicing safe, sensible and thoughtful activities in, on and around open water ahead of the 2025 recreation season.
Raystown Lake receives an average of 1.2 million visitors annually, coming from around the country to recreate on the 8,300 surface acres of water the project has to offer. Though a hiring freeze limits the proper staffing and safe operations of the Seven Points, Susquehannock, and Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campgrounds, all other day-use amenities remain open for the 2025 recreation season — including boat launches and beaches.
Tragically, people lose their lives while visiting USACE-managed lands and waters every year. Most of the tragedies are water related. The public’s help is needed to reduce the number of fatalities at the more than 400 USACE-managed lakes and river projects nationwide. USACE personnel stress the importance of water safety year-round when talking with visitors, but especially during the summer season because that is when most public recreation fatalities occur.
Statistics from the last five years regarding public recreation fatalities at USACE lake and river projects show that 89% were male, 89% were not wearing a life jacket, 82% were 18 or older, 47% were swimming in undesignated areas, 20% were from falls from boats, docks and shore, and in 21% alcohol was involved or suspected.
"Though the 2025 recreation season looks different at Raystown, we're pleased to continue the safe operation of day-use and lake facilities, and we look forward to welcoming our visitors for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water," said Col. Francis Pera, Baltimore District Commander. “Our call to action remains the same: always wear a life jacket.”
People of all ages are strongly encouraged to practice water safety this summer. Before entering or being around open water (lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.), keep these things in mind because they could save your life or the life of someone you care about.
“Several fatalities on our waterways happen every year that could have been prevented if the person would have been wearing a properly fitted life jacket,” stated Pam Doty, USACE National Water Safety program manager. “So, even if you’re a good swimmer or don’t plan on getting in the water when visiting a lake or river, please wear a life jacket that fits you properly when in, on or near the water.”
• Expect the unexpected – Accidents can happen within seconds, so always be prepared for the unexpected. If you are ejected from a boat, fall or jump into water that is colder than 70 degrees, you can inhale water from involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, panic, and sometimes vertigo that can cause you to drown. You can also be knocked unconscious if you are ejected from your boat or fall into the water along the shoreline while fishing.
• Wear a life jacket – By providing time to be rescued, it will help ensure you survive an unexpected fall into the water. It can also save your life if you become exhausted due to fatigue, waves or current while swimming. An adult can drown in 60 seconds, and it takes a strong swimmer 10 minutes to put on a life jacket after entering the water.
Army Corps of Engineers reminds visitors to practice water safety
While boating, if you are not wearing a life jacket when an accident occurs and you unexpectedly enter the water, you will not have time to access a life jacket to save your life if needed. Please wear a life jacket and ask others to wear theirs too. Life Jackets Worn … Nobody Mourns.
-
Wear Engine Cutoff Device While Boating – If thrown out of a boat, there is always the danger of being struck by a spinning propeller, especially since an unoccupied boat can often start traveling in circles after the operator is ejected.
Wearing an engine cut-off switch lanyard or electronic fob immediately stops the engine after ejection so that the operator can regain control of the boat.
-
Know your swimming abilities – Be aware that swimming in open water is different from swimming in a pool, and your swimming ability decreases with age. It is never too late to take swimming lessons and learn to swim well. Several people every year drown while swimming to retrieve boats, hats and toys. Let those things go because they are not worth losing your life over.
-
Alcohol and water are a deadly combination – Alcohol induces an inner ear condition (caloric labyrinthitis) that can cause you to become disoriented when underwater and not realize which way is up. If you jump or fall in the water, you can become disoriented and swim down instead of up to safety, causing you to drown. This is more likely to happen if you have been consuming alcohol.
-
Understand “boater’s hypnosis” – It is a condition brought on by the effects of sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion experienced during a day of boating. Boater’s hypnosis can slow your reaction time almost as much as if you were legally intoxicated. Adding alcohol to this condition intensifies the effects.
-
Be Aware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning While Boating - Carbon monoxide poisoning is not limited to boats with enclosed cabins. It has proven to be deadly on open motorboats too. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless toxic gas produced when a carbon-based fuel burns, such as gasoline, propane, charcoal and oil. Carbon monoxide can kill you while you are on or in the water near a boat, so use a marine carbon monoxide detector; always maintain fresh air circulation; seat children in the forward-most seating on a boat; shut off boat motors to avoid unnecessary idling; be aware of emissions from other boats; and seek medical attention immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
-
Watch Your Children – Constantly supervise your children whenever they’re in, on or near open water. Always keep them within arm’s reach. To keep them safe keep yourself safe by ensuring you and they wear properly fitted life jackets whenever enjoying your favorite outdoor water recreational activity.
-
Air Temperature and Water Temperature are not the same – The water temperature in rivers and lakes can be significantly colder than the air temperature and jumping or falling into cold water can be a dangerous shock to your body, so it’s important to wear a properly fitted life jacket to increase your chances of survival. Keep in mind that although the air temperatures are rising, water temperatures are slow to rise, and some lakes and rivers have cold water temperatures year-round.
Learn more water safety tips by visiting www.PleaseWearIt.com and following Please Wear It on Facebook and Instagram.
USACE is one of the nation’s leading federal providers of outdoor and water-based recreation, hosting millions of visits annually to its more than 400 lake and river projects. It’s estimated that 90% of the USACE-operated recreation areas are within 50 miles of metropolitan areas, offering diverse outdoor activities for all ages close to home. For more information on USACE recreation sites and activities, visit www.CorpsLakes.us.
About Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake is the largest lake located entirely in Pennsylvania and offers 8,300 surface acres of clear water surrounded by 21,000 acres of forested mountain slopes. Raystown is a multi-purpose lake constructed and managed by USACE for flood damage reduction, recreation and natural resource opportunities, and hydropower. Visitors come to Raystown to enjoy panoramic views of undeveloped land and waters, access to excellent public recreation facilities, and fishing and hunting opportunities. From boating, to hiking and mountain biking, to striped bass fishing and whitetail deer hunting, and everything in between - Raystown offers something for everyone. Follow Raystown Lake on Facebook for updates.
###
Additional Information
Baltimore District delivers vital engineering solutions in collaboration with its partners to serve and strengthen the Nation, energize the economy, and reduce disaster risks. Headquartered near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Baltimore District provides design, engineering, construction, environmental, and real estate expertise to various important projects and customers. This support spans five states, the District of Columbia, overseas, and the Susquehanna, Potomac, and Chesapeake Bay watersheds. These civil and military missions and diverse engineering services support communities and warfighters while addressing the ever-growing list of emerging national security requirements and ultimately protecting the Nation.