SAGLE — To all who knew him, 15-month-old Vaiden Bailey was "Boo Boo," full of life and the love of his family.  

Now, more than a year after a tragic drowning accident took his life, Vaiden's mother is compelled to tell his story and set up an event for awareness.

"I just want his story to help others," Katie Bailey said last week. "I want him to be known for something positive."

With recent drownings and several near-drownings in the area this summer alone, Bailey said it seems like accidents are happening more rather than less. It was after she read the latest story of the Grasser boys that she was compelled to take action. Michael Grasser, 11, died after trying to help his 17-year-old brother, Isaac, after the teen began having trouble while swimming in Morton Slough off of Dufort Road Aug. 1. Isaac Grasser was flown to Kootenai Health in Coeur d'Alene where he died on Aug. 4.

Jewel Lake is also located off of Dufort Road, and that is where tragedy befell the Bailey's. It was April 27, 2016, and the family lived near the Jewel Lake Barn, a popular wedding destination.

It was around 7 a.m. when Vaiden's father kissed his wife and son as they lay in bed. About 20 minutes later, Bailey awoke and discovered Vaiden missing.

"As soon as I saw the door open, I had that feeling," Bailey said. "He has always been obsessed with the water, and we were just out there the day before to let a turtle go that we found in the road."

She found her son by a small bridge on the lake and took him ashore. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was done with some degree of success as some of the water was expelled from his lungs. He was flown to Kootenai Health, and later transferred to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

He remained on life support for two days before, with his heartbroken family by his side, their "little Boo Boo" died on April 29.

"I want people to know that it is real and it can happen to anybody," Bailey said. "... And anybody else who has been affected by it, I want them to know it gets better. It doesn't go away, but it does get easier."

Later this month, Bailey plans to hold a walk for awareness and support for families of those affected by drowning.

The walk will likely be held along the Long Bridge, but the date and details of the event are still being worked out. The Daily Bee will update when details are available. Bailey has also been working with a swimming coaches to teach people what to do if someone is drowning. Her daughter, who is now 5 years old, is taught by a swimming coach at Sandpoint West Athletic Club who teaches kids what to do if they start struggling — how to breath and calm down.

"And then if you are on the other side, saving somebody, how to use the right parts of your body and how to hold them," Bailey said.

She hopes to have some swimming coaches helping at the event and possibly offer some free classes, and she is also working with a couple of local shops to donate some lifejackets.

For those interested in helping with the event, or affected families who would like to contact Bailey, email [email protected].

Mary Malone can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.