With just a few days until the start of school for the 2008-09 year, it's a relief that this writer immediately recalls only three drownings of children that made significant headlines this summer in South Mississippi.
(If residents are reminded of others, please comment or provide information to memoriesalways@gmail.com.)
The death of 5-year-old Raindy Soth at Dedeaux Park in Gulfport broke the heart of relatives and the community, not only because of the way it happened but because of where it happened. The drowning put a damper on the summer's traditional outings at informal swimming area, and reminded us all of the potential danger of one of our most beloved pasttimes.
Many South Mississippians have childhood memories of summers at favorite spots on the banks of rivers and ponds. Still, there is an equal number of people who have stories of similar tragedies among childhood friends and relatives.
It's something everyone knows could and may happen. Still, we always hope it doesn't.
Gulfport Mayor Brent Warr and neighborhood residents are talking about closing the park, known by some as hangout for drug dealing and other unsavory behavior. That's tragic in and of itself. Closing the park may be best, but may not stop people from finding another place to swim.
The drowning of Qualan Evans at a water park in Tennessee also marred summer vacation 2008.
Qualan, 13, was one of triplet brothers -- Quace and Quint -- and son of Lance and Patsy Ann Evans of Gulfport. He had three other brothers and two sisters. He was a student at Gulfport North 7th and 8th Grade School.
Although school is about to reopen, summer is not over. The scorching dog “daze” of July (these temperatures will make any dog faint) are about to turn into the even hotter month of August.
That leaves plenty of time for students to still search out their favorite water spots during afternoons that linger on forever this time of year, and hot weekends that will last well into September. Hopefully, they'll find water parks and public and family pools that offer varying measures of water safety.
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