Putnam lawmakers are using May as Water Safety Month to say they want swimmers and boaters to stay safe.
Legislators gathered at Lake Mahopac to raise awareness of water safety and to promote a new state boater safety course that will be available online.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4, officials say.
State Sen. Terrence Murphy says it's important for parents to instill a few safety measures in children to keep them safe.
He recommends parents watch children closely at the beach or in the pool and learn CPR.