How to keep your kids safe around water

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – There have been three pool accidents in the Salt Lake Valley involving children in just the past few days. In one case, a Riverton girl died.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are on average ten deadly drownings a day in the United States.

Swim lessons can be really expensive, we broke down three expert tips parents should reinforce with your kids to keep them safer around water.

The Three Ps

1)      Parents, pay attention. Watch your kids and remember your surroundings near and far:

“If you know you’ve got a neighbor with a pool, making sure that neighbor has boundaries set up and that they’ve got proper fencing,” said Josh Reusser, Aquatics Manager at Fairmont Aquatic Center in Salt Lake City.

2)      Permission, make asking to swim a habit:

“For those that are a little bit older, they always ask permission from a parent even before getting into swimming lessons, so that way they’ve established before I even get near the water I need to ask permission, so my parent knows where I’m at,” said Reusser.

3)      Prevention, spend as much time working with your kids in the water.

“If anything learn how to do a back float. Teach your kids how to do a back float. Because if you fall into the pool and you can get onto your back, you’re going to be safe for a little while and you can call for help,” said Reusser.

If you’re a parent who can’t swim, or you’re uncomfortable in the water or you’re family doesn’t have a pool to practice preventative measures like a back float, Reusser says Salt Lake County wants to help. Throughout the summer, they’re teaching weeklong sessions in the pool alongside your kid. The pilot program is at the Liberty Park pool. The session costs $16 and you don’t have to live in Salt Lake County to participate. https://slco.org/liberty-park-pool/swim-lessons/Pilot-Program—Parent—Child-Swim-Lessons/