Summertime is a great time for enjoying all sorts of water activities. Did you know that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in children 5-14 years old? For younger children, most drowning occurs when the child accidentally falls into a pool or is left alone in a tub or pool. Older kids are at risk when they overestimate their swimming abilities and underestimate the risks associated with an activity.

The following guidelines will help to keep your family safe when swimming or boating. They will only help, however, if they are followed every time you swim.

Learn to swim. All family members, young and old, need to take swimming classes to be comfortable in and around the water.

Supervise. Children need constant supervision around the water.

Buddy system. Swim with a buddy in a supervised area.

Swim based on your abilities. Do not rely on swim aids like swim rings, armbands or floats.

Obey rules & signs. Obey all rules and signs around the water. No running or rough play around the water.

Life Jackets. Wear a properly fitting life jacket whenever boating or water skiing.

Avoid storms. Never swim when you hear thunder or see lightning.

Dive safely. Dive only in areas marked safe for diving and at least 8 feet deep. Never dive into unknown waters.