Buckhorn Park Ranger Speaks on Water Safety and Recreation at UK Center of Excellence in Rural Health
“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the nation’s leading provider of water-based outdoor recreation, with more than 400 lake and river projects in 44 states, including Buckhorn and Carr Creek Lakes here in eastern Kentucky,” said Samantha Bachelder, a park ranger at Buckhorn Lake State Park.
University of Kentucky (UK) Center of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) hosted Bachelder as a speaker for lunch-n-learn, a regularly occurring series of informational sessions made available for employees.
Attendees learned about the amenities and activities available at Buckhorn Lake and also received a free CD featuring a state-by-state guide of maps and recreation facilities at more than 400 other lakes and rivers.
“Water safety is a big part of our mission at the Corps of Engineers,” said Bachelder, who also provided those in attendance with coloring books and children’s videos featuring Bobber the Water Safety Dog.
“Bobber the Water Safety Dog is our mascot. Children can learn a number of water safety basics from Bobber and his buddies who star in original cartoon videos and coloring books,” said Bachelder. “Bobber also participates in health fairs and parades to increase water safety awareness,” she said.
Buckhorn Lake offers all sorts of recreational opportunities such as the traditional fishing, hiking, camping and boating as well as some more non-traditional activities like geocaching and bird-watching. With six public boat ramps, seven recreation areas, five miles of hiking trails and two class A campgrounds in both Perry and Leslie counties Buckhorn has something to offer everyone! Located in the town of Buckhorn, the Buckhorn Campground offers 30 reservable campsites with all of the amenities such as water, electric and even available laundry facilities. The Trace Branch campground, located at the headwaters of Buckhorn Lake, is a much more secluded campground yet still offers all of the amenities to its campers on the 28 reservable sites. To reserve a campsite or to find out more information about Buckhorn Lake’s campgrounds visit www.recreation.gov
“With the weather beginning to warm up and Kentucky being home to many beautiful lakes, this is a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors. With so many things to do, it is a great place for all activity levels and interests, plus a wonderful stress reliever,” said Dr. Fran Feltner, director of the UK CERH.
Here are some important safety guidelines to remember to stay safe on or near the water:
- Be prepared before you go! If you’re going to the beach or going out on the boat, remember to always be prepared. Have a small safety kit and make sure your boat is equipped with all of the necessary safety items such as a fire extinguisher and oars.
- Know the weather! Check with your local weather station to make sure there aren’t any summer storms coming into the area that might strand you on the lake or in the water.
- And most important: ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET! For children under the age of 12 it is state law that they must be wearing a life jacket while on the water! Even if you’re over the age of 12 it is good practice and a great example to always wear your life jacket. It only takes one mistake to turn your fun day on the water into a tragedy, protect yourself and your family, wear your life jacket!
To view cartoons of Bobber the Water Safety Dog, visit www.Bobber.info. Plan a trip at Your Gateway to Fun at Corps Lakes at www.corpslakes.us. For more information about Buckhorn Lake recreation and water safety, contact Samantha Bachelder at 606-398-7251.
