For kids, swimming is one of the great activities of the summer. But parents need to exercise extreme caution around the water and it starts with having a good talk with your children.
Alex Lawrence is a lifeguard at the Cobb Aquatic Center in Marietta and he says before you let your little ones loose in the nearest pool, start with a serious talk.
"I think if parents would just sit down and talk to them about life jackets, minding lifeguards, when signs are posted saying not to do things, let them know that they need to follow those rules," said Lawrence.
He says the first rule is no running - ever. The decks can get slippery, making it easy to fall and hurt yourself.
To children, the pool is an oasis of fun. Lawrence says the water needs to be respected. Don't depend on arm flotation devices. If you have a weak swimmer, you should only use a life jacket.
"This really will keep you afloat and will save you life and keep you from drowning," said Lawrence.
Now is a good time to get your child swimming lessons. Lawrence says swimming is not just a good time but a needed life skill.
Lawrence says the pool isn't daycare. When you take your children, stay with them. Though lifeguards are trained to save lives, no one can take the place of a parent.
"If your kid is young and especially a weak swimmer, I wouldn't trust anybody with that, even lifeguards. You need to stay, you need to watch and you need to help them follow rules," advised Lawrence.
