By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA - Do you know how to swim? Do your loved ones know how to swim? Seems like a simple question and certainly not what you would expect as a subject of a medical report but the truth of the matter is that learning how to swim could save the life of yourself or someone you love.

This is the time of year we see it. Whether it is a backyard pool, a lake or the ocean, people get into trouble and if they can’t swim they can find themselves in a terrible predicament.

While we are talking about summer water concerns it is also crucial to mention that alcohol and the water don’t mix. People lose judgment when they drink and if there is water involved it can lead to high-risk behavior. Not only are people more prone to drown but also drinking alcohol leads to erratic behavior and diving injuries are far more likely to happen.