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Ks Reports 12 Drowning Deaths Since May

07/10/2013

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - State parks officials say a dozen people have drowned in Kansas waters since mid-May.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism said Tuesday the drowning deaths include five during the extended Fourth of July weekend.

The department notes that only one of the victims was wearing a life jacket. And nine of the 12 deaths occurred when the victims were swimming or wading, rather than in boats.

Among them was 14-year-old Nicolas Frazer of Centralia who was fatally injured June 10th at the Centralia City Lake when he was thrown from an inner tube being pulled behind a boat. Frazer was wearing a life jacket, and was later pronounced dead at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Major Dan Hesket, boating law administrator for the department, says everyone should wear a life jacket while boating or swimming. And he says people should be aware that Kansas lakes have underwater obstacles, sudden drop-offs and soft bottoms, while rivers often have strong currents. Hesket also notes waterways are murky, making finding someone underwater difficult.

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