Headed to the lake, beach or pool to enjoy the last few days of summer? Follow these tips to stay safe in and around the water, especially if you are accompanied by children.

Remember, it only takes seconds for a child to drown. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children ages 1 to 4, and three children die every day as a result of drowning.

Here are some tips to keep you and your children safe in the water.

• Know where your children are at all times, and always supervise water play.
• Use an approved fence or barrier to separate your home's pool from the house.
• Never allow children to be alone near a pool or any water source, including portable pools.
• Make sure kids wear life jackets in and around the water.
• Have life-saving devices near the pool, such as a pole/hook or flotation device.
• If you leave the pool or beach area, always take the children with you.
• Never swim alone, or while under the influence of alcohol or medications.
• Never swim during thunder or lightning.
• Never dive into unfamiliar or shallow bodies of water. If you do choose to jump into the water, do so feet first.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

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