This is a cautionary tale from someone who could have once lost their life due to stupidity.

That person was me.

Before I go any further, let me first get to the bottom line: If you are going to be around water, especially this time of the year, wear a lifejacket.

I’ve had the sad task in recent weeks of writing stories about teenagers drowning in two separate duck-hunting accidents in Georgia. Neither were wearing lifejackets they had in the boat. I talked with grief-stricken family members, school officials, hunting companions and schoolmates. Their Christmas holidays will never be the same.

Those stories made me shudder because they brought back memories of my own accident and how my lack of judgement could have cost me my life.