WARWICK is home to some of the most beautiful recreational swimming holes in the region.

Leslie Dam is arguably the most popular of those, and is often a hub of activity for recreation on the water.

It makes it all the more vital users, especially young children, have the ability to swim.

Not long ago, the worst-case scenario hit the Rose City.

Just three years ago, Warwick was rocked by the news of a six-year-old losing her life after drowning at Lake Leslie.

The young girl was pulled from the water and taken to Warwick Hospital, but was pronounced dead a short time after.

Lake Leslie Tourist Park owner Adam Bennett was there on that fateful day, and recounted the tragedy that struck a community.

"I was called down to the incident," Mr Bennett said.

"There were a couple of guys trying to do CPR, and I gave them a hand with that for half an hour.

"It seemed like an eternity.

"Police and ambulance took over when they arrived, but unfortunately they were unable to be saved.

"It was upsetting for everyone. For the people that were there, trying to resusitate her, and calm the family, to see what happened to this beautiful young girl was terrible."

Mr Bennett said dangers were present within a lake.

"A dam is completely different to a swimming pool. You can't see what's underneath. You might think it's shallow, but could trip over a rock or a log."

Andrew Gale from AG Boat Licensing said it was imperative to keep an eye on children at all times when in waterways.

"Swimming pool and waterway safety is paramount with our little ones, because we are not marin creatures. It's a foreign environment," Mr Gale said.

"I have seven kids, and I can remember an incident where my two-year-old son was sitting in water on the edge of a lake.

"The water was deep enough to reach his belly button, before he overbalanced and fell.

"I reached to pick him up, and he was just lying there in the water, completely covering his face.

"He was immersed in shallow water, about 20-25cm deep.

"Previously working for the water police, I've unfortunately been involved in investigating and recovering children.

"When you are around water, if they can't swim, it should be a priority to teach water awareness."

Mr Gale said it was important for people to use as much care as possible when on the water.

"Laws for things like kayaks and row boats, it's up to the individual to look after their own safety," he said.

"It's as common sense as putting on a seat belt. It's not a burden to wear.

"Also, water and alcohol do not mix.

"People do stupid things when impacted by it, and it lowers inhibtion and coordination."