Preliminary Loss Reports (PLRs)

A Specialist assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 10 September 2022 near the Red River in Clarksville, Tennessee, at 1530 local. The Soldier fell into the water while walking along the Red River bank with a group of Soldiers. A second Soldier jumped into the river to rescue the first Soldier but was unsuccessful. Local law enforcement recovered the Soldier’s body the next day and pronounced him dead. The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and local law enforcement.

Since FY17, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This was the fifth fatal off-duty water-related mishap of FY22 and above the number of off-duty water-related fatalities from this time last year.

Safety Tips for Hiking/Walking Near Water:
-Take your time and watch your step. Be careful and watch where you are walking, especially on slippery areas or near cliffs. Stick to dry paths and solid rock areas with good footing.

-Wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Wearing flip-flops or other footwear not appropriate for steep, rocky or loose terrain increases the chance of falling into bodies of water.

-Stay away from rapid waters and slippery slopes. Be careful and cautious when hiking near water, including waterfalls and swift or cold water. Climbing on rocks near waterfalls is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal fall or drowning. Do not attempt to cross streams during icy conditions, flooding, moving or white water, or any time you cannot be certain of the water depth. If you plan to cross any rivers, plan and prepare to do so safely.

-Don’t get too distracted taking photos, videos or just looking at the water. Watch your step. There will often be uneven ground, holes, bumps on rocks and stumps near the water’s edge. Tripping can cause a fall as easily as slipping.

-Be aware of the people around you, especially if there is a crowd. Other folks may not be paying attention and can accidentally push or shove their way for a better view, all the while being oblivious to your position and safety. And certainly, don't be that person oblivious to those around them.

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Fort Hood, Texas, died in a water-related mishap 8 August 2022 in Belton, Texas, at 1130 local. During a company organizational day at Temple Lake Park in Belton, Texas, the Soldier began swimming across a small cove. He started showing signs of distress approximately 100 meters from shore, submerged underwater and did not resurface. Soldiers from the company notified authorities and attempted to rescue him. Local authorities located the Soldier unresponsive at approximately 1330 and pronounced him dead at the scene. This mishap is still under investigation by local law enforcement.

Since FY17, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to water-related mishaps. This was the sixth fatal water-related mishap of FY22.


Swimming in Lakes, Rivers, & Oceans

Swimming in open water (lakes, rivers, ponds and the ocean) is harder than in a pool. People tire faster and get into trouble more quickly. A person can go under water in a murky lake, making them very hard to find, or be swept away in currents.

·Swim in a lifeguarded area, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

·Be cautious of sudden drop-offs in lakes and rivers. People who can't swim or aren't strong swimmers have slipped into deeper water and drowned.

·Stay sober when on or in the water. Alcohol and other drugs increase the effects of weather, temperature and wave action.


The Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation includes a section dedicated to water-related activities which contains statistics, contributing factors, prevention tips and other relevant information. You can download the full presentation or the Water-Related Activities breakout from the In the Spotlight Series at: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Home-and-Family/Off-Duty-Safety-Awareness-Presentation-2022

For additional information, visit: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Sports-and-Recreation/Water-Safety.

 

ANALYZE IT   |   TRAIN IT   |   DOWNLOAD PDF

A Sergeant assigned to Grafenwohr, Germany, died in an off-duty water-related mishap on 12 July 2022 in Ham Lake, Minnesota at 1759 local. The Soldier was on leave visiting friends and swimming in the pool while the homeowners were away. The homeowners returned home and discovered the Soldier unresponsive on his back at the bottom of their pool. They pulled him from the water and called 911. Soldier was pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol use is unknown at this time. This mishap is under investigation by the local law enforcement.

Since FY17, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This was the fourth fatal off-duty water-related mishap of FY22 and above the number of off-duty water-related fatalities from this time last year.

 

A 21-year-old Specialist assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 25 June 2022 in American Lake at Shoreline Park on the installation at 2030 local. The Soldier was seen struggling before submerging, and bystanders rendered aid when he did not resurface. He was transported to the local hospital by emergency medical services personnel where he was pronounced dead. The involvement of alcohol or drugs is currently unknown. This mishap is still under investigation by the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Since FY17, the Army has lost an average of eight Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This was the third fatal off-duty water-related mishap of FY22 and above the number of off-duty water-related fatalities from this time last year.

Safety Tips:
Swimming in open water (lakes, rivers, ponds, and the ocean) is harder than in a pool. People tire faster and get into trouble more quickly. A person can go underwater in a murky lake, making them very hard to find, or be swept away in currents.

- Swim in a lifeguarded area, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.
- Be cautious of sudden drop-offs in lakes and rivers. People who can't swim or aren't strong swimmers have slipped into deeper water and drowned.
- Stay sober when on or in the water. Alcohol and other drugs increase the effects of weather, temperature, and wave action.

For additional information preventing swimming and other water-related mishaps, please visit: https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Sports-and-Recreation/Water-Safety