COLORADO SPRINGS — If these hot days are making you want to hit the pool with your family, we have some tips on how to keep the little ones safe in the water.
Data from the YMCA of Metro Denver shows every day, two children die from drowning and dozens more are hospitalized due to near-drowning incidents.
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 4.
To avoid any scares while out on the water, the YMCA says parents should remain at arms reach of children. For extra precaution, children who are learning to swim should only swim when a lifeguard is on duty.
In fact, a lifeguard can do a basic swimming test on the spot to ensure they have can swim independently. Still, parents should remain extra vigilant because it only takes an instant for a child to start struggling.
"Minutes is actually an overestimation," said Gregory Thacker, an emergency room physician and medical director at Penrose Hospital. "So, you know, you obviously want your kids to go out there and enjoy themselves but it's really just on you as a parent and loved one to keep a very closed eye on them and watch out for any issues or signs of them struggling."
The YMCA says children should understand and follow pool rules and lifeguard orders. Plus, kids should know their abilities and limits and be taught not to take chances of going in too deep or playing breath-holding games.
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YMCA pools are open, but keep in mind you must wear a mask if you are 11 years or older. You do not need to wear a mask while swimming.
There are also swim lessons going on this summer, though they are at limited capacity because of COVID-19.
