Experts offer tips to prevent drownings
Doctors say just looking away for a moment can lead to a tragedy.
More Stories
As people head to pools and beaches this summer, experts say it's important to keep an eye on kids in or around water.
Doctors say just looking away for a moment can lead to a tragedy.
In the U.S., drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4. It is also the second leading cause of unintentional death in kids ages 5 to 14.
Doctors tell News 12 most drownings happen while parents are at a party or just gathering with others.
"They think that someone else is going to be watching their child and they lose eyes on them for a moment and the next thing they know they're floating at the top of the water, or they see them on the side not breathing," says Dr. Sarah Lazarus.
Experts recommend parents keep kids younger than 6 within arm's reach and do not take their eyes off of them.
They suggest starting swimming lessons early and teach kids how to tread water.
Additionally, experts say people should not rely on swim floaties to keep children's heads above water.
