On May 25, a 15-year-old Chicago girl was swept by a wave into Lake Michigan and drowned. Two days later, a 10-year-old boy died after rescue divers pulled him from Jericho Lake in Montgomery. These two tragedies remind us all that lakes, rivers, and beaches, combined with a lack of swimming skills, present a fatal danger of drowning accidents -- particularly to children and teens.

The most recent statistics from the State of Illinois were compiled in 2006, and it’s likely they haven’t improved significantly. The study found that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 14.

Both of the May 2012 cases are under investigation. Because the beach was not officially open at the time of the young girl’s death and lifeguards were not on duty, this absence could have contributed to her drowning. The young boy was playing in the water with his siblings in an area where swimming was banned.

While water accidents can happen even to the most experienced swimmer, such incidents are rare. That’s why the one sure-fire way to keep children safe is to teach them how to swim.

Free or low-cost lessons are readily available. The American Red Cross, the Chicago Park District, and local YMCA’s have swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. We’ve gathered links to various organizations so parents can learn tips for protecting their children and enrolling them in instructional classes. All should pledge: this is the year, the season, to be sure our kids become confident swimmers.