Community Hospital’s Grand Valley Pediatrics urges parents to remain vigilant throughout the summer to keep their children safe and prevent drownings.

“Drowning accidents can happen very quickly, sometimes within seconds,”  said Dr. Joanna Clem, a pediatrician at Grand Valley Pediatrics. “Drowning is often a quiet accident. There are typically no big splashes or thrashing that people on see on TV.”

Clem encouraged parents to stay within arm’s reach of children in the water and avoid the use of puddle jumpers and arm flotation devices that can actually increase the risk of drowning. Always use life jackets for all activities on rivers and lakes.

Parents should assign a designated water watcher rotating in 10- to 15-minute increments. Alternatively, they should hire a lifeguard for gatherings if there’s a pool or pond on the property.

Ensure proper fencing around backyard pools, including above-ground pools. Empty kiddie pools or inflatable pools after every use unless they’re fenced off.

Parents also should invest in high-quality swim lessons that teach children how to swim in weeks, not months or years.