Ah, summer — enjoy it safely

Summer has arrived, and with it, Lord willing, a full three months of fun in fair weather. And when a sweltering summer day descends like a barber’s towel, we’ll head for the water, be it for swimming, boating or resting by the shore.

But it never fails: Already there has been a death on Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield as the result of a boating accident.

Wanda Tirado, a 38-year-old mother of two and a middle school teacher, suffered serious injuries in an accident, and though she was pulled to shore by a Good Samaritan, she died later at Danbury Hospital.

In this case, police have charged the operator of the boat Tirado was on, 65-year-old Gary Morrone, of Oakville, with reckless operation and other charges.

Whatever the outcome of the case, it’s obvious that reckless operation of a boat is an invitation to disaster.

We live in an area where the potential for fun on the water is abundant.

Long Island Sound, a treasured natural resource, is a playground for boaters and swimmers.

It can also be dangerous, its weather and water conditions capable of shifting swiftly — and perilously — in moments. (Experienced sailors will tell you that if you can sail in Long Island Sound, you can sail anywhere.)

That’s what happened last October to Mike Diaz, of Long Island, when he headed out in his kayak for some fishing.

By the time he was heading back to shore, the weather had changed. The kayak was swamped and Diaz, now buffeted by a strong tide and wind, went adrift.

Fortunately for him, as he recounted in a video created by the U.S. Coast Guard, his fishing routine included putting on his life jacket.

After 17 hours in the water, he was able to reach the Greens Ledge Lighthouse in Norwalk, where he was rescued.

A personal flotation device can save a life, the Coast Guard reminds.

According to the Coast Guard, there were 54 recreational boating deaths in the Northeast in 2017. Thirty-nine of the 54 people who died were not wearing a life jacket and 19 of the 54 deaths involved a paddle craft.

Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, according to the Coast Guard.

Operating any vessel, and particularly a high-powered boat, under the influence is another invitation to disaster. The consequences can be severe, as can the penalties.

Heading out onto the water can — and should be — an exhilarating part of the summer.

Using good judgment and equipping both your person and your boat with the right safety equipment will go a long way toward keeping the experience pleasurable.

And the American Red Cross is an invaluable resource for tips on water safety, be it Long Island Sound, Candlewood Lake or a backyard pool.

Here’s to a safe summer.

A personal flotation device can save a life, the Coast Guard reminds.