Water safety can prevent summer tragedy.

• Position: Your Life - Brief Article

Summer is here, and that means plenty of people will be heading to the beach or pool to enjoy the warm weather. Before packing up the swimming and boating gear, however, Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. (PIANY) urges consumers to consider this: Most boating and swimming accidents occur because individuals don't stop to think about safety.

"The most tragic accident is the one that easily could have been prevented," notes John Bailey, president of PIANY. "By observing water safety guidelines, we can help reduce the incidence of boating and swimming accidents and keep our families safe." He recommends several water safety tips to help families ensure safety this summer:

* Never swim alone.

* Stay close to the boat, pool edge, or shore in case you need to get to safety by yourself.

* Know your swimming ability limits as well as those of your family, and stay within them.

* Learn the proper way to dive, and always check the water depth before doing so.

* Maintain constant supervision. Watch children around any water environment, no matter what swimming skills the youngster has and no matter how shallow the water is.

* Leave the alcohol behind when...