Keep swimming kids safe with a 'water watcher'

<p>(OHIO NEWS CONNECTION) - With the unofficial start to summer, pools around Ohio are opening this Memorial Day weekend, and when it comes to swim time, experts encourage parents to become "water watchers."<br> <br> <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db413.htm" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Drowning</a>&nbsp;is the top unintentional cause of death for children ages one to four, and the second-leading cause among kids ages five to 14.<br> <br> Dawne Gardner, senior injury prevention specialist for Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, pointed out 70% of drowning deaths occur between May and August. She said the most important pool safety measure is to ensure an adult is actively watching children at all times.<br> <br> "If there are multiple adults around the pool, take 15-minute shifts so that adult knows: no phone, no book, no conversations; they are keeping an eye on all the children," Gardner recommended. "That is their time, and that is their only job while they're there."<br> <br> With infants and toddlers, an adult should be in the water within arm's reach. Most drownings involving kids under age four happen at home pools, so experts encourage the use of alarms and secure pool fences to keep curious little ones away.<br> <br> Gardner noted while a drowning is traumatic, it does not always look dramatic.<br> <br> "Parents always think that there's a lot of splashing and yelling when a child is drowning, and that is not the case," Gardner explained. "It is not a loud event. It is very silent. It happens quickly."</p> <p>W<em><strong>ays you can help support the show</strong></em></p> <p><strong>Chase Bank –</strong> where you can get a $200 bonus by opening an account and doing a direct deposit. Open an account today at <a href="https://accounts.chase.com/consumer/raf/online/rafoffers?key=1934238931&amp;src=N">https://accounts.chase.com/consumer/raf/online/rafoffers?key=1934238931&amp;src=N</a>.</p> <p><strong>Ashley Furniture –</strong> Save money on your furniture wi