CLEVELAND, OH (CLEVELAND CLINIC) - Many pools will be reopening this Memorial Day, and if you're planning to take your little ones swimming, there are some safety tips to keep in mind.
Pediatricians say it only takes a second for an accident to happen. According to the CDC, drowning is the number one cause of death for kids between the ages of one and four. It's recommended that children take swimming lessons by the age of four. Or even earlier if they live near a pool or pond or have a boat. Also, make sure all life jackets are Coast Guard-approved.
Doctors say pool owners need to have some life-saving training as well.
"Besides swimming lessons to protect your child, I think everyone who owns a pool should have at least have an adult who knows CPR. You can go to your local American Red Cross and you can take an easy basic life-saving class, but if you have that pool, it comes up with a lot of responsibility. You've got to have a fence, and someone needs to know CPR," explained Dr. Richard So, Cleveland Clinic.
Don't forget to wear plenty of sunscreen this summer. Dr. So says sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and even sooner if your child is swimming and it washes off.
