With three swimming-related drownings in Utah's lakes and reservoirs last week, parks officials have a few suggestions for patrons of the state's recreational water facilities.

Lyle Gingery, manager of the Jordanelle State Park, said the best way to prevent drowning is as simple as snapping on a life jacket.

"Wear a life jacket. It doesn't matter what age — if everybody is wearing their life jacket then drowning deaths will go way down," he said.

Seth Fraughton, a 17-year-old football and track athlete at Viewmont High School, drowned Aug. 4 while swimming with friends near the Cisco Beach boat ramp at Bear Lake when he cramped up.

Early Aug. 7, a 46-year-old man drowned in Willard Bay State Park while attempting to swim to an island from the shore. Later that day, a 15-year-old boy drowned near Lincoln Beach in Utah Lake while attempting to swim from a dock.

Last Wednesday, a 4-year-old-girl nearly drowned in St. George at the Sand Hollow Aquatic Center. The girl was last reported breathing after CPR was performed by a lifeguard. She was flown to Primary Children's Medical Center. Her current condition is unknown.

"It is so frightening, but accidents happen," said Deena Loyola, spokeswoman for the Utah Parks Association. "We want people to always err on the side of caution."

Gingery and Loyola suggest that recreationists know signs of hypothermia and hyperthermia, be able to recognize signs of drowning, have a cell phone and to be physically fit.

Gingery also said that it doesn't hurt to have someone who knows CPR and first aid among those you choose to go boating and swimming with, as there are no lifeguards on duty at Utah's lake and reservoir facilities.

"Drowning is the one thing that CPR can be successfully used on," he said.

Classes teaching CPR are offered through the American Red Cross for $30 to $60, depending on what people want to learn. Those already trained in the method should note that it has changed from 15 compressions and two breaths to 30 compressions and two breaths, said Patti O'Conner, the director of preparedness programs at the American Red Cross in Salt Lake City.

She also said it is vital to know how to swim.

"The best thing to do for safety around the water is for people to learn to swim and learn to swim well," said O'Conner.

She also suggested that people watch out for the "dangerous too's": Too tired. Too cold. Too far from safety. Too much sun. Too much strenuous activity.

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