With outdoor pools open for business and folks headed to Wyoming's lakes and rivers, it's important to remember that summer fun in the water could lead to tragic results. News that former Olympic skier Bode Miller's 19-month-old daughter drowned in a neighbor's pool during a party is prompting reminders of water and swimming safety. Safe Kids Worldwide says among preventable injuries, drowning is the leading cause of death for children one to four years old.

Here are some other facts from Safe Kids; children ages one to four are more likely to drown in a pool, while children ages five and older are more likely to drown in natural water such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. Statistics show the risk of drowning in open water increases with age. For example, the average 10-year-old is three times more likely to drown in open water than in a pool.

Here are some Top Tips about Swimming Safety, from Safe Kids Worldwide:

  • Make sure you watch kids closely when they are in or around water, without being distracted. Young children should stay within arm’s reach of an adult, and make sure older always children swim with a buddy.
  • Teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so children should enroll  in swim lessons when they are ready. To decide when they are, consider their age, development and how often they are around water.
  • Make sure kids learn these five water survival skills and that they are able to: step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface; float or tread water for one minute; turn around in a full circle and find an exit; swim 25 yards to exit the water; and exit the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder
  • Teach children that swimming in open water is very different than swimming in a pool.They should learn to be aware of uneven surfaces, currents in the river, ocean undertow and changing weather conditions.
  • Know what to do in case of an emergency. By learning CPR and basic water rescue skills, you may help you save a child’s life.

You can find more information about water safety at Casper's "Respect Our River" Facebook page.

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