While drowning deaths peak among one and two year olds, drowning continues to be the second leading cause of preventable death through age 15. According to NSC research, swimmers should keep a few safety precautions in mind:

• Don’t go in the water unless you know how to swim; swimming lessons are available for all ages.
• Never swim alone.
• Learn CPR and rescue techniques.
• Make sure the body of water matches your skill level; swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in a lake or river, where more strength is needed to handle currents.
• If you do get caught in a current, don’t try to fight it; stay calm and float with it, or swim parallel to the shore until you can swim free.
• Don’t push or jump on others.
• Don’t dive in unfamiliar areas.
• Never drink alcohol or take anything that would cause impairment when swimming.
• Remember that it is okay to use a life vest while you swimming.
• Children and individuals who have limited swimming abilities should be supervised at all times.