It’s hot outside and your smallest loved ones are asking to swim in the backyard. Before you say yes, there are some very important guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) you should know.

Although drowning rates have declined since the ‘80s, it is still the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 19, especially for toddlers and teen boys. While the AAP has always recommended children four and older learn to swim, the association now encourages lessons for children beginning after their first birthday.

Since not all children learn to swim at the same age, parents should consider the child’s frequency of exposure to water, emotional development, physical abilities, and certain health concerns related to pool water infections and pool chemicals, when deciding it its an appropriate time to start lessons.

Pool Safety Guidelines

• Never leave children unattended, even if they are proficient swimmers. Remain focused on activity in and around the pool.

• Learn CPR. Florida Hospital offers classes throughout the year.

• Install a 4-sided, 4-foot high fence, even around portable, inflatable pools. This can cut drowning risk in half.

• Teach your child to swim, but understand swimming skills never “drown-proof” a child.

• Small children and non-swimmers should wear life jackets when around the water. Air-filled swimming aids (such as inflatable arm bands) should not be used in place of a life jacket as they are not designed to keep swimmers safe and can deflate.

• Never dive into water until you know the depth and any underwater hazards.