FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — May is National Water Safety Month, and the Florida Department of Health - Flagler County encourages communities to stay alert during any aquatic activities. 

According to Florida Health, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4 in the state. They are more likely to drown in a home swimming pool, compared to kids ages 5-17 who are more prone to drown in natural bodies of water. 

A drowning can happen in just the few minutes a distraction can take a person away from the water to answer the phone or run inside for a towel. Whether it's a parent, a friend or a member of the community, Florida Health says that everyone plays a role in drowning prevention. 
 

Florida Health offers three key tips on water safety:

• Supervision - Learn to make water safety a priority, ensure that your family members are knowledgeable around the water, assign a “water watcher” by having a responsible adult around to actively watch when a child or adult is in or around the water.
  
• Barriers - A child should never enter the pool unaccompanied. Barriers including gates, fences, walls, doors and windows are recommended to aid in the assistance and protection of those who are at risk.
  
• Emergency Preparedness - In an emergency, it is critical to have a phone nearby to call 911 if needed. Know your location and know what type of emergency you are calling about. CPR and First Aid are also important to know.
  
  

Swimming in open water is very different from swimming in a pool. Here are some tips for protection when swimming at the beach or lake:

• Swim It - Always swim with a buddy. Be aware of safety flags and signs, and swim only when there is an “all clear” to do so.
  
• Shore It - If you have a cut on your skin or if your immune system is weakened, or you don’t have a buddy to swim with, stay on dry land.
  
• Dodge It - If you encounter animals that live near or in the water, stay away and don’t touch. Be aware of red tides and algal blooms/blue-green algae. This can cause skin irritation, burning eyes, and throat and breathing irritations. You can find information on red tide and blue-green algae on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website and the Florida Department of Environment Protection.
  
  

For more information on National Water Safety Month, visit the Florida Department of Health website here.