GREENSBORO, N.C. — As the temps rise, you might want to take a dip in the pool or take the children to the beach for fun in the sun.
But, before you do, you should think safety first.
According to the CDC, about ten people die from unintentional drowning every day.
Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger.
Statistics also show drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in America.
The American Red Cross is urging everyone to be water smart.
"If you have children, either teach them how to swim yourself or sign them up for swim lessons," said Marguerite Davis with The Piedmont Triad Chapter of American Red Cross. "Parents should also keep a close eye on their children while at the pool."
According to the American Red Cross, a child or weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, check a fishing line, or apply sunscreen.
Drownings can happen to anyone, anywhere there's water. That includes pools, hot tubs, the beach, lakes, streams, and even bathtubs.
Swim lessons are one of the best ways to reduce the risk of drowning.
Water safety experts also urge people to swim in pairs and wear a life jacket.
"When swimming, you should always have a buddy with you," said Davis. "Even if you are an adult, you should have a buddy with you. Anything can happen at any time."
For more water safety tips, click here.
The American Red Cross offers the following top 3 water safety tips:
- Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.
- Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.
- Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.