DNR officers say drowning investigations on rise

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - 16-year-old Dakota Warner of Monticello tried to swim the length of the Tippecanoe River at Bluewater Beach Friday evening. During the swim, he got tired, panicked, and went under. Luckily, his uncle was with him, and helped Warner to the surface.

Warner will recover, but others aren't as lucky. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports so far this year they've investigated 35 drowning reports, eight of them involved people under 18. It's a growing number.

Officer Kevin Price said that number may be up because of the weather.

"With the extreme heat we've had in the last few weeks, it drives people to the water," Prices said. "[People] want to recreate, and have a good time. But sometimes in all of that, they forget to be safe."

Where It Indiana is a DNR program to educate people about the importance of life jackets. Price said to always have a life jacket when you're in the water. It's the number one way to be safe.

"When you're in the water you never really know what you're getting into," Price said. "We find people who are wearing their life jackets are usually not the victim of drownings."

Along with life jackets, Price said, make sure you're keeping yourself hydrated because if you're not feeling well it will affect your swimming.

The water is unpredictable, and can turn a fun time at the river or lake tragic quickly.

"When you're out with friends, take those life jackets, and always look out for each other," Price said. "Sometimes we think because we're good swimmers, and we're with our friends, we kind of forget we all need to keep an eye out for each other."