TOO MANY DROWNINGS
IN THE PAST SEVERAL DAYS


Drownings in lakes and rock quarries are the tragic end results of people tempting fate. In some cases, alcohol or drugs may be part of the cause. Whatever the cause I am struck by the signs posted on area lakes that say "Number drowned with life jackets - Zero; Number drowned without life jackets ______." That seems to say it all. At least some of those could have been saved had they been wearing one.

It is irresponsible for anyone to be in close proximity to any body of water and not be wearing a life jacket. With advanced life jacket technology today, the full motion restriction and hot old-time jackets are a thing of the past. Inflatables should rule the day. There is no excuse, especially in children, for not wearing one at all times. In fact, it is illegal for children to not wear one when in a boat; but adults let them do it. These adults should be charged with child abuse. It is high time for the TWRA to adopt a zero tolerance stance on the wearing of life jackets. Jail time for any adult who lets a child go out in a boat without a life jacket on. The same for boaters who do not carry enough life jackets in their boats.

With regard to pool drownings, these can be attributed to young lifeguards who are easily distracted. Most do not keep their full attention on the water. A swimmer had to notify a lifeguard at a pool in Nashville that there was a child at the bottom of the pool. Unacceptable, and for two to drown in one day in Memphis is just absolutely unacceptable.

Governor Bredesen should order every pool, public and private, to stand down for one day so that safety procedures may be discussed and reviewed. I think the governor has the authority to do this. If he doesn't have such authority, he should get it; but I think he could do it by Executive Order.

Were I the director of any pool, I'd institute such a stand down on my own.

A pool should be 99% safe. The level of expertise and attentiveness of lifeguards should be beyond reproach.

Steve Moore
Cookeville, TN