Two weeks ago the Puget Sound area hit 75 degrees for the first time in 277 days. Kirkland beaches were packed with pale people mesmerized by the big bright orb in the sky.

And while a mild winter has turned into a mild summer, we are bound to warm up. But that also means more pale people on the shores of Lake Washington, at Kirkland beaches, boating and even swimming in one of the region’s great natural recreational areas. However, every year the pages of the Reporter become tragic with the needless loss of life. Drownings are a regular occurrence during the summer months in Kirkland. At least five people from Kirkland drowned in Lake Washington last summer.

One of those was a Lake Washington Technical College engineering student Javed Khan, who was just 20 years old. The man was reportedly out for a swim by himself when he drowned. His family and friends waited for five days at Juanita Beach for Khan to be found. The vigil was not only a testament to their love for the young man but also a reminder of the dangers of swimming alone.

Tragedy has already struck on the Eastside this summer, despite the abnormally mild weather. But this tragedy was with people around. Two weeks ago a 23-year-old Seattle man drowned at Lake Sammamish State Park while swimming in the lake. The man was at the park swimming with his wife and five-year-old son.

There are precautions that we all can take this summer when the waters of Lake Washington come calling on a hot day:

• Make sure to swim with other people so there is assistance in the case of an emergency.

• Know how and when to use life jackets, especially with children and weaker swimmers.

• Don’t underestimate how cool the water temperature is despite how great it feels on warm days. Currently, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish are in the low 60’s. Body heat is lost more quickly in water and hypothermia can sneak up on a swimmer.

• Be aware of currents as they can take the strongest swimmer under the water.

• Never go boating without a lifejacket no matter how well you swim.

• Watch children at all times and do not leave them unattended in the water.

• Give children limits on physical play while in the water.

• Swim in areas with lifeguards and obey posted safety signs and warnings.

• Always enter shallow and unknown depths of water feet first.

• Know the weather conditions and potential changes prior to getting in the water.

• Never go swimming after drinking alcohol.

Being responsible and using common sense is not just knowing your own limits and safety precautions. Bystanders are often the first on the scene of an incident. Knowing CPR and first aid can help to save a life, whether it is a loved-one, friend or stranger.

Drowning issues are not confined to Lake Washington and be mindful on vacations, in private pools and even hot tubs.

That blinding orb in the sky should come back on a regular basis now that the Fourth of July has come and gone. It will add some color to our pale beaches and fill our great natural recreation area with boats and swimmers. Please make sure that the summer fun and that blinding orb in the sky doesn’t result in a repeat of tragedies from summers past.