Summer is officially here. And we're heading into the two hottest months, July and August.
While everyone looks forward to the weather, it also brings a sense of dread to river rescue personnel in the Valley,
because they know, chances are good that at least one person will drown this summer.
They know that from past summers, when they've jumped in boats with diving equipment and rushed to try to rescue children and adults who have disappeared into the river.
Parents, please tell your children of the rivers' danger.
And adults, if you see young children playing in the river or near it, tell them, too.
We know the river looks oh -so- inviting on a hot, humid summer day, when kids are looking for something to do.
There are other ways for kids to cool off. You can get a yard sprinkler for younger children to run through to cool off.
Community swims are sponsored by the YMCAs at several high school pools.
The river looks calm and peaceful on the surface. But it's not.
Beneath its surface are an undertow of currents, that swirl and move rapidly. And like an ocean's powerful rip tides, they are strong, and can drag even the best swimmer under.
Last summer, a 6-year-old boy from Arnold drowned in the Allegheny River. And a 22-year-old young man, visiting here from Ireland, drowned at Braeburn Beach in Lower Burrell.
Twelve people have drowned in our rivers in the last seven years, 11 in the Allegheny River, which is deeper.
Half were children, aged 6 to 16, and half were adults.
Our rivers play a central role in our lives. Many industries located along the Allegheny or Kiski rivers depended on barge transportation. Now, many recreational activities center on the river.
The Allegheny is a primary source of water for many households, in addition.
But the rivers can also be our enemy. We need to respect them. And fear them.
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