Drowning is the leading cause of injury related death among children less than 4 years of age. That's according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control.
Angela Minicuci is with the Michigan Department of Community Health. She says young children should be supervised around all sources of water both inside and outside of the house:
"It's important to keep in mind for anyone under the age 4 that we actively supervise them. Make sure that there is always an adult giving their undivided attention. Even if it's not the parent, it's important to have designated water watchers--adults that take turns watching children."
"One of the things to really keep in mind is that this can happen either at an open water source or it can even happen at home --at a bathtub or around a washing machine, or in the laundry room. So it's important for parents to keep in mind that any body of water -- they should really be cautious around it."
Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of pool season in Michigan. Swimming lessons and life jackets are two of the best ways to reduce drowning in open water.
Parents can learn more about water safety for children from the "Safe Kids Michigan Program" or their local health department.
-Nishant Sekaran, Michigan Radio Newsroom
