It may be hard to believe, but the summer of 2019 is entering its final week as we approach the traditional Labor Day weekend. 

“Time and tide wait for no man,” said the poet. The calendar never lies and soon the summer of ‘19 will be just a memory. The college students already have returned to school and our public schools will open this week.

Although it would be nice if the temperatures were just a bit warmer, none of us really can complain about the gorgeous weather we have been enjoying these past few weeks (and the forecast for the weekend is for more of the same), with abundant sunshine and temperatures in the 70s and low 80s. And with ocean water temperatures locally in the 67-degree range, conditions have been ideal for a swim or a quick dip after work.

With the summer season winding down to just a few precious days, we fully understand the sentiments of those who might express the refrain, “If this is the last, let’s make it a blast.”

We certainly do not wish to rain on anyone’s parade, so to speak, but we would be remiss if we did not urge our readers that if they intend to have a good time, they should do so safely, both for themselves and their loved ones.

Excessive drinking does not mix with anything — whether it be boating, driving, water sports, hiking, bicycling, or just about any activity that requires some degree of coordination and observance of the rules of safety.

The newspapers and news reports will be full of tragic stories over the weekend of those who died or were seriously injured in accidents that could have been avoided had excessive drinking not been involved. We must do our part to ensure that none of our loved ones — let alone ourselves — are among those inevitable, sad statistics.

We wish all of our readers a happy — and safe — Labor Day weekend.