What you need to know: Summer swimming safety tips
Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids under 4 years old
Kids are in pools and at the beach now that they are out of school for the summer.
Lifeguards are on duty in many areas across Long Island working to keep swimmers safe, but there are still safety precautions swimmers should take.
New York’s Department of Consumer Protection says drowning is the leading cause of death among kids under 4 years old and the second leading cause of death for kids ages 5 to 14.
“When you're around water with your child, and they are not a swimmer, you need to be within arm's reach of them,” said Megan Ferraro, executive director of the Zac Foundation, a national water safety nonprofit.
Officials recommend swimming lessons, life jackets and brightly colored swimsuits
to prevent any tragic accidents. They also advise staying alert, listen to lifeguards and learn CPR in case of an emergency.
“We know if CPR is administered at the time of a drowning, the chance of survival increases exponentially,” Ferraro said.
She adds that 70% of child drownings happen in backyard pools, but water safety can look different with teens and even adults.
When one is at the beach, only swim when there are green flags and with lifeguards and make sure you wear a life jacket when on a boat.
“We want people to enjoy the water,” Ferraro said. “We just want them to do it safely.”
She also says swim lessons for kids are important. She recommends checking with your local YMCA or Boys and Girls Club for more information.
