When the weather turns warm, everyone wants to be in or around the water. Hanging out at the pool or the beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat.

       Most people don't think much about water 1—but they should. For people between the ages of 5 and 24, drowning is the second  2 cause of accidental death.

       It doesn't have to be that way,  3.By knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines, most water related accidents can be  4.

       It's a good idea to swim only in places that are watched over by a lifeguard. 5  can predict changing ocean currents, sudden storms, or other  6  dangers. In the event that something does go wrong, lifeguards are trained in  7  techniques.

       Swimming in an  8 body of water(like a river, lake, or ocean) is different from swimming in a pool. You need more  9 to handle the currents and other changing conditions in the open water.

       If you do find yourself  10  in a current, don't panic and don't fight the current. Try to swim parallel(平行) to the shore until you are able to  11  the current, which is usually a narrow channel of water.  12  try to make your way back to shore as you do so. If you're  13  to swim away from the current, stay calm and 14 with the current. The current will usually  15 ， then you can swim to shore.

       16  a very good swimmer who tries to swim against a strong current will get worn out. If you're going to  17  in open water, better take lessons that provide you with tips on  18  unexpected dangers.

       Some areas with extremely strong currents are  19 limits when it comes to swimming. Do your research so you know 20  not to swim, and pay attention to any warning signs posted in the area.

—Through one of your colleagues.                                   

       There is a very instructive incident involving the life of Alexander, the great Greek king. Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death bed. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence. So, he lay helplessly waiting to breathe his last. He called his generals and said, “I will depart from this world soon, I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail.”

    “My first desire is that，” said Alexander, “My physicians alone must carry my coffin.” After a pause, he continued, “Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn(撒满) with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected.” The king continued, “My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept hanging out of my coffin.” Alexander's favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. “Oh King, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes？”

     At this Alexander took a deep breath and said, “I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt. I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure any body. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let people not take life for granted.

      The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell people that not even a bit of gold will come with me. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is just a waste of time to chase wealth.

       And about my third wish of having my hands hanging out of the coffin, I wish people to know that I came empty－handed into this world and empty－handed I go out of this world.” With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer him and breathed his last.