Regarding the tragic drowning of a young child at Greens Harbor Beach in New London, were any lifeguards on duty that busy day? And if not, why not?

This free beach offers an opportunity for many low-income families to find respite on hot summer days. More important, New London should provide free swimming lessons to these youngsters.

Even a simple life-saving measure such as drown-proofing could save a child's life. This does not have to be an added expense to New London's budget. I would be willing to bet there are many qualified instructors who would volunteer to provide basic lessons, with the potential reward of possibly saving a child's life.