Michael McCullah will be mourned tonight during a memorial gathering at Sam Brannan Park in Yuba City. The Linda resident drowned last week in Lake Francis in the Yuba County foothills. McCullah's death is the just most recent painful reminder that being in and around the water carries some risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 3,600 Americans died by unintentional drowning in 2005. More than 700 others drowned or died from other causes in boating incidents. The percentage of fatal drowning victims age 14 and younger tops 25 percent.

Also, drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental deaths for persons 15-44 years of age, according to the National Water Safety Program, which offers these basic safety tips for swimmers:

• Don't take chances, by over estimating your swimming skills.

• Swim only in designated swimming areas.

• Never swim alone.

With summer temperatures soaring, people are naturally flocking to pools, rivers and swimming holes to beat the heat. The Fourth of July holiday weekend offers the potential for great fun in the water — as well as tragedy.

We urge everyone to act safely and responsibly - and live to swim another day.