By Chris Hannaford and Robert Newton
Enid Lake Park Rangers

Water Safety

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Enid Lake would like to remind everyone to practice water safety while participating in water related activities this summer.

As part of Enid’s Water Safety Program, Enid Rangers will be rewarding park visitors exhibiting safe boating and swimming practices at Enid Lake. Visitors caught practicing water safety may receive anyone of the following items: a “Water Safety Flotation Citation,” which is a food and beverage coupon to an area restaurant, sponsored by Subway and Quiznos of Batesville, a water bottle, a frisbee or other Enid Lake items.

Rangers will be promoting the use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) by exchanging U.S. Coast Guard Approved PFD’s with children found utilizing inflatables. Rangers will be available to provide courtesy boat inspections, and offer many water safety tips throughout the summer.

Heat Safety

The staff at Enid Lake would also like to remind everyone the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

When participating in outdoor activities this summer, be sure to slowly build up tolerance to the heat and work activity and perform the heaviest work in the coolest part of the day.  By drinking plenty of water, one small cup every 15 to 20 minutes, wearing light loose fitting clothing, and practicing the buddy system one can decrease their chances of becoming too hot and suffering from the dangers of heat.

Visitors to Enid Lake should be aware of the heat when erecting or disassembling camping gear and be mindful of temperatures when planning boating/fishing trips or  participating in other outdoor recreational activities.  

Campsite Renovations

Enid Lake personnel are currently renovating campsites in the Wallace Creek Campground to accommodate today’s larger camping units and equipment used by visitors.

Thus far, personnel have completed approximately 60 of the 99 class A campsites.

The staff at Enid Lake understands that construction is inconvenient and can be very frustrating, but we do appreciate your patience.

We would like to remind campers that some sites may not be in the same location as shown on maps due to being relocated or they may be temporarily closed.

We are trying to provide more pull through camping sites, which are very popular with visitors, and more conducive with the lay of the land located in the Wallace Creek Area.

All campsite renovations are scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer, and again, we do appreciate your patience.

For more information on water safety, heat safety and camping please contact the Enid Lake Field Office at 662-563-4571.