Drought or no, water is risky

Utah may be drought-dry, but water, ironically, is still a major danger.

Many Utahns will find themselves slipping, sliding and floundering this summer as the state's legion of day-trippers takes to the lakes, pools and rivers. And statistics from the University of Utah Health Sciences Center are not encouraging.

In 1999, 927 children drowned in the United States. The majority were younger than 4. Each year there are 2,600 near drownings.

Since 1984, more than 327 children have drowned in small buckets of water and other liquids.

Half of the drownings in swimming pools occur in the family swimming pool. Some 40 percent of drownings in America occur on weekends between May and September. And more people drown in the West and in the South than in any other regions of the nation.

For such reasons, we urge recreationists to think, instead of sink, this summer. It is possible to drown in a teaspoon of water. So we hope Utahns will keep in mind some basic do's and don'ts of water safety:

First, do some homework. Check the weather conditions before going swimming or boating. Know how to respond to an emergency. Know your own limitations as a swimmer.

Second, in home and public swimming pools, make sure there is a telephone nearby and people know where it is. Post CPR instructions in a prominent place. Keep toys away from the pool when it's not in use. Keep lifesaving equipment nearby and make sure swimmers know how to use it.

Third, never mix alcohol and water recreation. More than 50 percent of all boating accidents involve alcohol. It impairs judgment, balance and coordination.

And fourth, the American Red Cross has one safety tip that appears at the top of the list for boats, beaches, lakes, rivers, backyard pools and irrigation canals: Learn how to swim. Most people would be surprised at the number of children and adults who have never had a swimming lesson. The Red Cross provides lessons. There is no reason not to take one.

Utah may be dry, but the summer heat in the state always drives residents to seek out dams, lakes, pools and rivers for vacations.

Water is a lifesaver. It can also be a life-taker.

Over the past few years, a little more information would have saved many of Utah's drowning victims. We hope Utahns will learn that information, then share it with others.