More public recreation fatalities occur in July than any other month, so the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) asks you to please play it safe while on, in, or near the water because drowning is a leading cause of death this time of year. USACE public recreation fatality statistics show that 88 percent were male, 89 percent were not wearing a life jacket, and 47 percent were swimming in areas not designated as a swimming area.