Tips for staying safe in the water this summer on World Drowning Prevention Day

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one through four in the United States.

Thursday is World Drowning Prevention Day , meant to boost awareness about how to prevent this from happening. Public Health Educator Dominique Van Pelt said that when you’re around public pools, make sure you use a buddy system to go in the water and don’t run around them.

You also shouldn’t drink alcohol if you’re watching your kids so you don’t impair your judgement. If you’re at a private pool, make sure there aren’t things like toys in it that your child might be drawn to.

“So typically, you know, flailing around, they’re not able to communicate with you. And a lot of parents can, I’m sure, would be able to sense the panic in their eyes,” Van Pelt said. “So, really just making sure you have eyes on your child at all times so it doesn’t get to that point is really what’s important.”

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