A well-known actor’s tragic death is a stark reminder of just how quickly fun can turn to heartbreak, especially when there’s water involved.

Malcolm Jamal Warner, the Emmy-nominated actor probably best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” drowned off the coast of Costa Rica recently.

He was swept away by a strong current while swimming at Playa Cocles.

Despite the best efforts of rescuers and CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

News reports said Warner was in the water in an area known for its strong surf and dangerous rip currents.

There were no lifeguards on duty because a group of volunteers moved their team to another beach that has similar currents and was the recent site of several other rescues and a fatality.

Fatal drownings aren’t uncommon in our area, too, given the wealth of water resources available.

Just this year, for example, a New Jersey man drowned near Blakeslee as he attempted to rescue two people whose kayak capsized. The man jumped into the water to help, but went under about halfway between the kayak and the shore. He never resurfaced.

Closer to home, rescuers pulled eight rafters from the Lehigh River, averting a potential tragedy.

Lehighton and Bowmanstown firefighters rescued the Lehigh Valley folks after responding to a call for help at 12:45 a.m. on May 27.

The rafters entered the river near Jim Thorpe around 10 p.m. the night before and the devices they were on ruptured, leaving the passengers in the drink.

Two people were transported to a hospital, and emergency responders cleared the scene around 3:30 a.m.

A fire official said the rafters entering the river at night was just poor judgment.

That’s a common reason, too, for rescues in the lake at Beltzville State Park, where volunteers sometimes use canines to help pull folks from the water.

And though no dogs were involved, rescuers escorted three young girls who they found in the Lehigh River near Walnutport, too.

Without a doubt, there are countless other water related incidents involving locals or tourists in the region.

Across the nation, according to the American Red Cross, an average of 11 people drown each day, and at least 22 are victims of near-drowning. An estimated 4,000 people die from drowning annually.

Though water-related deaths know no age boundaries, drowning is the number one cause of death for children between 1 and 4 years old.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

From home pools to hot tubs and oceans to ponds, knowing what to do around the water can save your life — and maybe even someone else’s life.

When alone, people should be able to get into deep water and know how to work their way back to the surface. Floating or treading water for at least a minute should help, as would basic swimming for at least 25 yards.

When with someone, keep an eye on poor swimmers or children and have some knowledge of CPR or first aid.

Also, avoid distractions like cellphones, especially when the kids are around, and encourage them to wear Coast Guard approved life jackets.

At the beach, always swim in an area staffed with lifeguards and do your best to swim with a buddy.

In natural locations, keep an eye out for lightning, and leave the water immediately if the skies light up. Watch out for fast-moving currents and rapids, even if the water is shallow.

Be wary of drop offs or holes that can change the water depth unexpectedly, and remember to not dive unless you know the water is at least 9 feet deep.

At a home pool, it’s best to surround a pool with fencing and a self-latching gate that a child can’t reach.

If the pool is above ground, secure steps or ladders that can invite trouble.

And don’t even think about taking a dip into one of the local strip mine pools.

Above all, stay sober. Outside of a glass or can, alcohol and water don’t mix.

Keeping those things in mind can help save lives.

Maybe it’s best to think of water safety as sunscreen. Slather it on so you don’t get burned.

ED SOCHA | tneditor@tnonline.com.