Summer Drownings - How Can They Be Avoided?

Calendar-wise, it isn't even summer yet here in the Southeastern part of the United States, but drownings are happening at an alarming rate. Pools, ponds, lakes, all seem to be culprits. The young people, especially males, like to take dips, sometimes at really offbeat times.

One young man was at a lake that is considered to be tricky, even in the daytime. He was swimming at about 2:00AM, alone. He apparently panicked when he caught cramps in his legs.
This young man was not wearing a lifejacket.


Another victim was caught in the undertow, also without a lifejacket. I realize that all swimming areas are not monitored and do not have lifeguards stationed every one hundred feet or so. There should be some mandatory rule posted at all public swimming areas reminding all potential swimmers that they must have a lifejacket. There should be a stiff fine for anyone not complying with the lifejacket mandate. I believe they would help save lives.