At least three suspected drowning deaths in Green Country lakes in recent days have authorities warning people about safety on lakes and rivers.
Details about the recent cases are still emerging, and sometimes drownings can be tragic accidents. However, some first responders report seeing similar factors that lead to these dangerous situations.
"More often than not, alcohol is involved in those situations," said Ranger Justin Smither with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Smither said alcohol impairment can make a difficult situation into a deadly one. He also warned about boaters and swimmers being overconfident in their abilities. A situation he said puts them and those around them at risk.
"A lot of people think that they know how to swim and they're strong swimmers so that makes them immune to accidents on the water, but that is just not the case," he said.
Smither said children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket aboard boats. Adults are required to have life jackets within reach. He recommends adults wear the life jackets too– much like a seatbelt– it can't save your life if you don't have it on.
