TULSA, Okla. — The YMCA of Greater Tulsa offers water safety tips to prevent child drowning, especially during the summer months.
"Getting them comfortable in water is really important," says Deb Collard, the YMCA Senior Director of Aquatics.
It's the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four in Oklahoma.
More than half of drownings or near-drownings among children less than five years happen at home in swimming pools and nearly one-quarter occur in bathtubs.
This is why experts say education is key to preventing an undesired outcome.
"Formal swimming lessons can reduce your child's risk of drowning by 88%," says Collard.
The YMCA branches in Tulsa County offer a variety of summer swimming classes and water safety instruction.
"Whether it's a parent-child class or if they're three and they can start in the traditional swimming lesson classes," said Collard.
She says parents can prevent a drowning by paying attention, while supervising their kids at a pool or lake.
A lot of drowning accidents happen under parents' supervision, so remember to get rid of any distractions like phones, laptops and other technology and focus on your child.
In addition, she advises choosing the right lifejacket for your children. All jackets vary by age and weight.
For more information on swimming lessons and other water safety services that the YMCA offers in your area, click here.
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