To look at, live near, or sail it, kayak, fish, or cool off in it, Midcoast Mainers are drawn to the water. For some, it's why they're here, or here this time of year.

May is National Water Safety Month, according to nationaldaycalendar.com. As people continue returning to the riverfronts, check out the American Red Cross's "Circle of Drowning Prevention" from redcross.org:

"Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets.

"Always swim in a lifeguarded area.

"Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water.

"Learn swimming and water survival safety skills.

"Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing."

The site also says to "swim sober" and to never swim alone, and it calls drowning a leading cause of death for children.

Be safe, everyone.

Week's positive parting thought: The sloop Providence's stay in Wiscasset has added to the harbor's majesty. Building vessels is in Wiscasset's roots, and still in its blood: Many area residents in recent decades have built, designed, or repaired them, at home, in a small shipyard, or at Bath Iron Works. May the work on the sloop get more people to consider doing their boat projects here, and get Wiscasset talking over the aesthetics and economics.