Video: Safety Tips For Summer Swimming

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Summer is here and kids are spending more time at the pool, lake or ocean.
But danger can fill the waters for those who are unprepared.
A recent study released by the USA Swimming Foundation shows that drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children.
At the same time, the study also confirmed swimming lessons, along with water safety education, can significantly reduce the risk of drowning.

“It’s so much fun,” said 4-year-old Corbin Randle.

Corbin and his younger brother, Cambrin, started learning how to swim this year.

Their mother says she decided to put them in lessons at a young age so they can have fun and most importantly, stay safe.

“To introduce themselves to the water because in the summer time, they’re a lot of water activities, birthday parties, or pool related and I wanted them to be at least comfortable with the water,” said their mother Jacqueline Randle.

The duo are a part of a morning swimming class that teaches them life saving techniques.

During the lesson, life guards and teachers monitor the kids closely.

Stephanie Gonzalez is a lifeguard at the YMCA in Columbus. She encourages parents to start teaching kid’s the do’s and dont’s of the water early on.

“When you’re one or two it’s just water, you’re just splashing around having fun. They don’t understand the difference of going under water, it being dangerous. But the older you get, the more you know what can happen,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez also wants to warn parents and guardians that drownings often happen quietly and quickly.

“You won’t realize it until you turn around and they’re at the bottom. Time is everything. The longer they’re under, the more brain damage can happen and it takes longer to get them back. So, you have to keep an eye on them and if you don’t, the worst can happen,” added Gonzalez.

So before you make a splash this summer, make sure you are swimming smart and staying safe.

The YMCA offers a variety of swimming lessons for any age, from pre-school to adults.

For information on how to get involved in the classes, call 662-328-7696 or visit http://www.columbus-ymca.com/