By Scott Harvey
– Some disturbing statistics released by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; more than 60 children have drowned statewide as of June 29. Even more water-related deaths were reported over the July 4 holiday weekend.
"You should always swim with a buddy, never swim along," says Rodney Franklin, manager of Cooper Lake State Park. "Especially when you're swimming in an area that there are no lifeguards it's important that you have someone there with you at all times."
A lot of state parks will not have a lifeguard on duty, and park patrons are warned to swim at their own risk. Generally, lakes do not offer a water depth gauge so it's important to keep that in mind.
Franklin says it's also important people don't misjudge their swimming ability.
"A lot of people have to be aware of their own swimming strengths. If you're a very strong swimmer or a very weak swimmer make sure you're aware of that and don't take any undo chances."
Franklin also encourages the use of personal flotation devices and life jackets. While that's important, you should not rely on those devices alone, but also on your swimming ability.
In June alone, 30 children drowned in Texas, an average of one each day. Since the state began keeping an unofficial count in 2005, the highest number of deaths, 82, was recorded in 2008.