A 20-year-old Private assigned to Fort Cavazos, Texas, died in an off-duty water-related mishap 3 August 2023 near Belton, Texas, at 1750 local. While swimming at Belton Lake in the vicinity of Morgan’s Point Resort with four other Soldiers, the Soldier went underwater and did not resurface. The other Soldiers contacted the Bell County Sheriff’s Department (BCSD). The Morgan’s Point Resort Police Department (MPRPD) dive team began search-and-rescue efforts. The Criminal Investigation Division was notified and initiated a joint investigation with BCSD. The dive team recovered the Soldier’s body the following morning.
Since 2018, the Army has lost an average of seven Soldiers a year to off-duty water-related mishaps. This was the fifth off-duty water-related mishap of FY23 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 life-guarded 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 more information, please visit https://safety.army.mil/OFF-DUTY/Sports-and-Recreation/Water-Safety.