According to federal statistics, child drownings continue to be the leading cause of death among children from 1 to 4 years old.

In a resort community like ours, there are beach days . . . and then there are days when there is, as the kids complain, "nothing to do."

Footing is simply shuffling along in the water, toes in the sand or mud, feeling for the characteristic immobility and sharp edges of a clam alive in its shell.

Is this July 9 birthday coincidence not astonishing? Daughter, father, grandfather, and best friend?