Rise of drownings in Green Country

TULSA -- A spike in lake drownings is causing concern in Green Country. There have been 11 drownings at Green Country lakes since May.

In this past week there were two drownings at Lake Eufaula. A man drown Tuesday evening and a four-year-old boy drowned Thursday morning. He was able to get out of the house along the lake while his parents were asleep. A Eufaula firefighter found the boy in the lake Thursday around 11 a.m.

OHP says they've seen higher numbers this year than previous years.

"You just never know what could happen at a lake, there’s a lot of people around you have to keep a close eye," said Mark Weldon who was visiting Lake Eufaula on Friday.

The victims range from toddlers to teens, and up to adults in their 60's.

"I’ve been out in the water for 30 minutes and I’m winded so just knowing your abilities, watching what’s going on, know when to take a break, get a drink of water," said John Anderson, who was visiting Lake Eufaula on friday.

The owner of Miller Swim School in Tulsa says it could be dangerous to swim in lakes because you can't see the bottom.

"They think I’ll just wade out a little bit and they’re not a swimmer and they end up dropping off," said Gina Miller Kinnison, owner of Miller Swim School.

Kinnison also says people are making more money and going on vacation.

"I think the economy has been really good and has brought people to be able to get boats, but maybe they haven’t been schooled yet on how to have people on their boat," said Kinnison.

You also can't ignore the high heat in Oklahoma that draws people out to the water.

"If you have done the measures to prevent that up front, then you should be able to let them have fun," said Kinnison.

OHP says the parents of the four-year-old boy who drowned on Thursday are not facing any charges.