The weather is heating up and families soon will be flocking to pools, lakes, and the beach to cool off.

Swimming is fun but be aware that the potential for injury is there.

Drowning is the leading cause of injury death in kids ages 1 to 4. Most drowning deaths for young children occur at pools. It takes just 25 seconds or less for a young child to slip underwater and drown.

Many parents think if their child starts to drown, they will scream or splash and they can come to their rescue, but drowning is often silent and can go unnoticed.

Keep pool areas safe by building 4-foot-high fences that enclose the area and have self-latching gates. Install pool alarms. Designate a responsible adult to closely supervise kids when they are in or around water. Adults who are supervising kids near water should avoid distracting activities such as using cell phones or consuming drugs or alcohol.

Make sure children wear a life jacket. Know the risks of natural waters. Check local forecasts or current conditions for the ocean if heading to the beach. If you don’t know CPR, make sure to learn it — it could save a life!

This message is brought to you by Safe Kids PA, Lycoming County Partner and the Lycoming County Health Improvement Coalition.