Minnesota Drownings are Up this Summer

ST. PAUL  (AP) - The number of summer drownings in Minnesota is one of the highest statewide in a decade.

According to data through July 1 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, at least 25 people have died of nonboating-related drownings, including eight in the seven-county St. Paul metro area.

Last year, there were 13 statewide. There were six boating-related drownings this year, compared with five last year.

There was another drowning Tuesday in Chisago County, when a 5-year-old boy died at Round Lake.

DNR water safety specialist Tim Smalley says more people are taking to the water because of the hot water.

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