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The rules seem simple enough for anyone to grasp:

Wear your life vest while you're boating.
Learn to swim.
Swim near a lifeguard; don't go swimming alone.
Don't go swimming after you've been drinking.
Remember, the river is stronger than you are; check water conditions and swim with the current.

No matter how simple these common-sense rules are, though, they are not enough.  The return of hot weather has brought the return of news stories about drowning deaths.  As is always the case, most of these deaths are utterly senseless.

It's tempting to point the finger at government, to decry the budget cuts that have led to fewer life guards on duty at popular swimming spots.

But the reality is that the vast majority of drowning occur because people behave stupidly, either taking foolish risks themselves or failing to take adequate precautions with their children.

So, simple as they are, we'll repeat them:

Wear your life vest while you're boating.
Learn to swim.
Swim near a lifeguard; don't go swimming alone.
Don't go swimming after you've been drinking.
Remember, the river is stronger than you are; check water conditions and swim with the current.

That is all.  You are now free to enjoy the summer.

Sacramento Bee Editorial <> June 8, 2002

The National Swimming Pool Safety Committee offers parents and pool/spa owners the following tips to help prevent child drownings and near-drownings.

	Supervision Never take your eyes off a child when he or she is in or near any body of water, even for a second. Don’t rely solely on barriers, such as fences or walls. There is no substitute for constant supervision. Keep toys, tricycles, and other children’s playthings out of the water and away from the pool or spa. Don’t consider your children to be "drown-proof’ because you enrolled them in swimming or "water-proofing" classes. Don’t rely on inflatable devices to keep your child afloat. These are not substitutes for adult supervision
	Barriers Make sure your pool or spa has a fence, wall, or safety cover that guards against unsupervised access, particularly by young children. Make sure doors leading to the pool or spa area are self-closing and self-latching, or are equipped with exit alarms, and are never propped open. Gates should have self-closing, self-latching mechanisms. Latches should be out of reach of young children and kept in proper working order. Make sure the safety cover is always closed when the pool or spa is not in use. Always drain standing (surface) water from the pool cover. Remember that even a few inches of water can be hazardous, especially to young children.
	Emergency Procedures Learn how to administer lifesaving techniques to children, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Install a phone, or keep a cordless phone, in the pool or spa area. Post the emergency medical services phone number (i.e. 911) in an easy-to-see place near the pool or spa, and make sure that everyone learns the number(s). TIPS   Pool Owner Tips   Energy Conservation Tips  Water Evaporation Chart

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