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US Army Corps of Engineers

Wilmington District Website

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"Life Jackets Worn...Nobody Mourns" logo with text, life jacket, and waves.

Lakes and Dams

North Carolina
- B. Everett Jordan
  Posted 02/20/2013
- Cape Fear Locks & Dams
  Posted 02/20/2013
- Falls Lake
  Posted 02/20/2013
- John H. Kerr
  Posted 02/20/2013
- W. Kerr Scott
  Posted 02/20/2013
Virginia
- John H. Kerr
  Posted 02/20/2013
- Philpott
  Posted 02/20/2013

Information

Public Land Management

Invasive Species

STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood. CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY boats and any other recreational equipment that contacts water. Dispose of unwanted bait, worms, fish parts, or other organisms into the trash and not into the environment. For more information visit https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/rec.

A Note to You From Our Rangers

Make wearing life jackets a top priority for all ages when visiting the lake. Know and understand the differences between swimming in a pool and swimming in a lake. They're much different! Watch for steep drop offs, hidden objects below the surface, boat traffic and more. The best place to swim is at a designated swimming area. If you need help finding a place, give us a call!

Respect the limitations of everyone in your group - Swimming to an object in the lake, is often farther than it appears. Learn more about the 7 Deadly Swims.

Before your boating adventure, perform a safety check of your vessel. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the required equipment on board such as life jackets, a throwable device, certificate of number (state registration), fire extinguisher, visual distress signals, sound producing devices, and any additional items required by Federal and state laws (NC & VA). Check your engine, ventilation, backfire flame arrestor, electrical systems, and trailer before you go too!

Last, please wear a life jacket when on or near the water! Very good swimmers have drowned in the lakes you're planning to visit. If you've forgotten your life jackets, there are free loaner ones available.

Take care and be safe! Make wearing life jackets a new family tradition!

The Outdoors Are Calling

The Wilmington District’s lakes and dams are the perfect backdrop for your next adventure! Whether you're boating, fishing, hiking, camping, or just enjoying a relaxing picnic by the water, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Take a swim in a designated area, watch a bald eagle fly across the lake, explore the beautiful trails, or simply unwind in nature. With so many opportunities for outdoor fun, your next family getaway is just a click away. Visit our website to learn more!