Summer is in full swing and more people are spending time outdoors at the pool or the beach, trying to keep cool during the sizzling heat.

But as individuals seek to get their feet wet this summer, their safety and the safety of their family should be their number one priority.

Today (July 25), countries across the globe are observing World Drowning Prevention Day under the theme ‘Anyone can drown, no one should‘. This day is geared towards raising awareness about the preventable public issue and reminding individuals that anyone can drown but no one should drown.

Drowning refers to a type of suffocation caused by the submersion of the mouth and nose in a liquid.

Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that some 236,000 people die from drowning each year, with 90 per cent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Meanwhile, the highest drowning rates occur among children one-four years old, followed by five–nine years old. Drowning is also the third-leading cause of unintentional injury and death worldwide.

Reduce your risk of drowning by keeping these simple but effective tips in mind as you venture outdoors this summer.

• Learn how to swim. This is the first step in reducing your risk of drowning. Likewise, introduce your child or children to swimming lessons so they too can be equipped with valuable swimming skills.
• Supervise children closely while they are near water and never leave them unattended.
• Know your family swimming strengths and skills.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while supervising children.
• Be conscious of your surrounding
• Wear a life jacket to reduce your risk of drowning. Children should also be equipped with necessary safety equipment while near water such as floaties and life jackets.
• If you have a pool at home, construct a four-sided fence that is at least four feet in height to enclose the pool to prevent small children from venturing in the pool without adult supervision.
• Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).