Recent drownings at Buck Creek State Park have prompted more water safety awareness.

The drownings occurred June 26 and Aug. 26.

Park rangers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and officers with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft, are working to encourage visitors to take precautions. They are urging everyone to wear life jackets.

Officials said danger is increased when visitors swim outside buoy-marked areas. They also urged people with medical conditions to be aware of how being in water may harm them.

Visitors who see someone struggling are urged to “throw, don’t go,” meaning to find something within reach that floats and toss it to the victim.

Officials are people not to attempt a rescue unless certified in water rescue.