Tragedies underscore water safety need

In the last ten days five people in Idaho, two from Elmore County, have lost their lives in water accidents.

These are terrible tragedies, but underscore the need for people to be particularly aware of the hazards of water, no matter how safe and secure it may seem.

Private swimming pools -- even tiny ones for little kids -- are potential dangers (a child can drown in less than two inches of water). The canal system is attractive to kids, but steep and slippery banks and swift-flowing water make them especially dangerous. And the area's rivers and reservoirs, running at record flows and levels, should be considered hazardous to anyone near them.

Life preservers are required on all watercraft, but too many people don't seem to think they need them. But tragedy can strike in an instant.

As the summer recreation season gets into full swing with many people seeking water to avoid the heat, let's all be reminded that water can be dangerous, and rededicate ourselves to remembering basic safety precautions and common-sense prudence.

-- Kelly Everitt