Be careful at the base lake Published Sept. 11, 2007 By Lt. Col. Sean Bordenave 314th Airlift Wing Chief of Safety LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Last month, the 314th Civil Engineer Squadron started pumping water from the base lake so maintenance could be performed and improvements could be made. Water levels will be the lowest they have been in over 25 years, exposing potential hazards. This decrease in water levels caused a marshy area to form around the lakes, raising additional safety concerns for personnel using these areas. Because the base lake is a popular recreation area, the potential for a mishap is viable. People using the recreational facilities or fishing at either lake need to be aware of the possible hazards, especially persons with small children. Potential dangers include, but aren't limited to: · Sinking or becoming stuck in the mud; this hazard has increased with the excessive rain we've received and expect to receive in the local area; · Exposed debris like glass, metal, fish lures and hooks, and sharp rocks in the mud; · Increase in snakes and other wildlife feeding off of stranded fish; · Previously hazardous materials being exposed like unexploded ordinance. If you see a UXO at the base lake, or anywhere on base, report it immediately to the 314th Security Forces Squadron at 987-3221. Do not touch or relocate these items under any circumstance; · And, once construction starts, patrons should be aware of construction areas and vehicles entering and exiting work areas. The bottom line is when visiting or fishing at the base lakes during the project, do not walk or venture beyond the normal shoreline, use caution and report any hazards or safety concerns to the 314th Airlift Wing Safety Office at 987-3290.
Be careful at the base lake Published Sept. 11, 2007 By Lt. Col. Sean Bordenave 314th Airlift Wing Chief of Safety LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- Last month, the 314th Civil Engineer Squadron started pumping water from the base lake so maintenance could be performed and improvements could be made. Water levels will be the lowest they have been in over 25 years, exposing potential hazards. This decrease in water levels caused a marshy area to form around the lakes, raising additional safety concerns for personnel using these areas. Because the base lake is a popular recreation area, the potential for a mishap is viable. People using the recreational facilities or fishing at either lake need to be aware of the possible hazards, especially persons with small children. Potential dangers include, but aren't limited to: · Sinking or becoming stuck in the mud; this hazard has increased with the excessive rain we've received and expect to receive in the local area; · Exposed debris like glass, metal, fish lures and hooks, and sharp rocks in the mud; · Increase in snakes and other wildlife feeding off of stranded fish; · Previously hazardous materials being exposed like unexploded ordinance. If you see a UXO at the base lake, or anywhere on base, report it immediately to the 314th Security Forces Squadron at 987-3221. Do not touch or relocate these items under any circumstance; · And, once construction starts, patrons should be aware of construction areas and vehicles entering and exiting work areas. The bottom line is when visiting or fishing at the base lakes during the project, do not walk or venture beyond the normal shoreline, use caution and report any hazards or safety concerns to the 314th Airlift Wing Safety Office at 987-3290.