"Swim at your own risk" has taken on new meaning at Pennsylvania state parks.

Over the last nine years, the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has withdrawn lifeguards at 22 of 37 state parks with lake beaches.

The plan is to eliminate the last of the lifeguard posts this summer.

The upside, claims the DCNR, is the $800,000 in savings the staffing reduction brings.

The downside, of course, is an increased risk of tragedy.

That prospect has put state Auditor General Jack Wagner in an unusual position. The watchdog of the state's treasury is asking the DCNR to restore lifeguards -- and to spend more money.

Wagner praised DCNR officials for wanting to save taxpayer funds, but also criticized them for the way they did it.

State parks are a great summer attraction. They promise to be especially appealing this year as families look to save gas money and keep their vacations within the state. It actually is a great opportunity for DCNR to showcase their unique recreational properties. But that showcase may be tarnished if tragedy occurs at a crowded, unprotected beach.

Parks officials point out that, even as they have reduced lifeguards, there has not yet been an increase in incidents.

"Yet" is one of the biggest three-letter words around. In this case, the cost of that word fulfilling its foreboding promise is too high.

Is saving $800,000 worth the life of one drowned child at a state park?

Wagner is right to say "no."