Editorial: Dangers of swimming cannot be ignored

By: Editorial | Opelika Auburn News
Published: July 28, 2009

Water is inviting. Water is refreshing. Water in the summertime is often paralleled with recreation and relaxation.

But for as appealing as a dip in the lake might appear, we can’t neglect the dangers that come with water sports — even wading or swimming. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3,582 drowning deaths were reported in 2005 (the most recent year made available by the center). That’s an average of nearly 10 deaths per day.

Sunday, east Alabama tragically added to that statistic when an 18-year-old drowned in Lake Harding.

The man, who was reportedly swimming with a companion, was swimming across a slough when he went under. Monday his drowning was ruled accidental.

Regardless how advanced a swimmer one may be, one can never be cautious enough. Children must be supervised by adults at all times whether they are in a pool, lake or bathtub.

Parents cannot afford to be distracted when their kids are near water. Much can happen in a minute or two. It’s always a good idea for the young ones to wear some form of floatation devices.

Strong swimmers can very easily take their prowess for granted and swim alone.

But swimming with a partner increases a person’s chances of being rescued quickly.

Interestingly, the CDCP revealed that most drowning deaths among swimmers ages 15 and above do not occur in a typical swimming pool, but rather in natural water settings — lakes, rivers, streams, ocean, etc. This makes sense as natural water settings provide hidden obstacles that are often taken for granted.

Feet can get tangled in submerged tree limbs or caught between heavy rocks.

Ocean/beach-related drownings are common as strong currents and waves are a factor. Don’t think this doesn’t apply to us in central Alabama. Many of us spend summer weekends at the Gulf.

There’s no reason for us not to take every precaution available to ensure such tragedies do not happen. One death this year is already one too many. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the young man lost Sunday.