Swimming is a fun way to spend time in the summer and a skill that everyone should have. There is more to it than just knowing basic water skills — it’s about being water competent. Below are tips from the American Red Cross on how to swim safely.

• Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone

• Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising, even when a lifeguard is present, no matter how well the child can swim or how shallow the water. Avoid distractions including cell phones

• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water

• Designate a “water watcher” whenever in a group setting

• Take smart precautions and use layers of protection

• Stay within an arm's reach of any weak or inexperienced swimmer who is in the water

• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone

• Do not rely on the use of water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys or other items designed for water recreation to replace adult supervision

• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers to prevent unsupervised access to the water

• Many children who drown in home pools did so during non-swim times – when they weren’t expected to be in the water, including as the swimming activity was coming to an end and everyone was thought to be out of the water

• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well and what to do in a water emergency

• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number

• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets, and a first aid kit

You can find more swimming tips, water safety courses, and swim classes near you here: https://www.redcross.org/.../water-safety/swim-safety.html