TOPEKA (KSNT) – As temperatures rise and pool season gets underway in Topeka, safety is top of mind for many families.
May marks National Water Safety Month—a time to focus on preventing drowning and raising awareness about how quickly water-related accidents can happen. Experts at the YMCA said many of these incidents are preventable with simple steps, starting with constant supervision.
“Water safety is an everyday issue; it affects us at all times, and drowning is the number one cause of young children’s deaths,” said Frances Knudsen, head lifeguard at the YMCA. “Constant supervision is what saves lives.”
Instructors said parents should always keep a close eye on children near water and avoid distractions like phones. They also recommend starting swim lessons early—some as young as six months old—to help children build confidence and essential safety skills.
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Other precautions include using life jackets and installing safety features like fences or gates around home pools. Even something as simple as choosing a bright-colored swimsuit can make a difference. Experts said high-visibility colors like red or orange make it easier to spot children in the water compared to blue or green tones that can blend in.
As families head to pools, lakes, and other water spots this summer, safety professionals said staying alert and prepared can help prevent tragedy.
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