LANSING, Mich. (WSYM) - After a week of three tragic drownings in mid-Michigan, it reminds us that while swimming is a fun activity, it can also be dangerous. FOX 47's Marcus Dash asked local experts for tips that could save you and your family's life.
Whether it's the pool, beach, pond, or lake, head lifeguard at East Lansing Aquatic center Emily Pendred says, kids should follow these four basic points.
"Wear a life jacket, swim with a buddy, know your limits when you go into the water, and ask an adult before you get into the water," said Emily Pendred.
Regardless of if you can swim or not, Pendred says with the sudden drops of water depth in lakes and ponds, everyone should be wearing some sort of flotation device.
"Have a life jacket on or if you are on a boat have them with you, because the water depth can change very quickly all of a sudden, sometimes you don't even realize it," said Pendred.
While life jackets are a necessity they aren't one hundred percent drown proof. Pendred says one of the most common mistakes lifeguards see is parents letting their kids roam free just because they have them on.
"They do save people on a daily basis, but parents can prevent those drownings from happening just by being with your kids, being able to reach out, and grab your kid if they need help," said Pendred.
Aside from wearing life jackets and being aware of the body of water you are in, Pendred says no matter how old you are, always let somebody know where you're going, and have a friend close by in case something happens.
After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.
