The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and local public health partners are reminding Montanans to stay safe and healthy while having fun in the water this summer. Swimming can be a fun way to spend time outdoors in the summer heat and is a great source of exercise, but it does pose some health and safety risks.

In 2017, 11 drowning deaths occurred in Montana. Six of the drownings occurred in natural water while others occurred at home or were the result of medical events or accidents leading to drowning.

“Nationally, drownings are a leading cause of injury deaths for...