16 have drowned in Missouri this June

(AP) — Officials are urging people to take steps to prevent drownings as the arrival of hot weather and the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic means bigger crowds at Missouri waterways. 

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that at least 10 people have drowned so far this month in Missouri, and six others died in boating accidents. None of the 16 victims wore a life jacket. 

Across Missouri, at least 39 people have either drowned or died in boating accidents so far in 2021, including at least seven children. 

Several public safety officials gathered Monday in the St. Louis suburb of Eureka for a news conference urging caution on the water.