Editorial: Maine must not leave water safety to chance

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • July 13, 2025

A concerning series of accidents and near-accidents in the waters of our state’s ponds, lakes and beaches this summer has highlighted the need for improved attention to water safety by members of the public — and by the entities in Maine that should step up and take responsibility for it. Maine should take it upon itself to do more to support a confident, calm relationship between people and water — and it should start early. Would it not be magnificent if Maine were to become the first to make swimming instruction compulsory in elementary school?