Children love to spend warm days splashing around in a pool or the ocean, but as a parent myself, safety is my number one concern when participating in water related activities—and I’m sure yours is, too.

Drowning is the second-most common cause of death from injuries among children under the age of 14. Every year, nearly 1,000 kids die in the United States due to swimming injuries. Most drowning tragedies occur in home swimming pools, but proper precautions should also be taken when near lakes, ponds and of course, the ocean.

The good news is there are several ways to keep your child safe while in the water, and ways to make sure they take the right precautions when they're on their own.

Put your mind at ease and empower your child with the ability swim. Teaching your child how to swim certainly offers a wide range of benefits. The obvious being they will have a better chance of not drowning. Swimming also provides an excellent cardiovascular workout, strengthens muscles and tendons, builds confidence and is a blast to boot!

Most important, supervise your kids at all times. Don't assume that just because your child took a swimming lesson or uses arm flotation devices there is no risk of drowning. No matter what your child’s swimming level, they need to be supervised at all times!

You’d be surprised how many accidents happen at pool parties. Parents often become easily distracted and assume that other parents are watching their kids in the pool. Never assume this! Designate an adult who will be responsible for watching the children in 15-minute increments, or better yet, hire a professional lifeguard for a few hours.

Another effective method to ensure swim safety is to never let your child swim alone—always use the buddy system. This will guarantee there is always someone looking out for them.

In addition to teaching your kids how to swim, educate them on the importance of following the rules of the pool, such as no diving in shallow water, no running on deck, no pushing, shoving, or hanging on to other swimmers while in the water.

What can you do for yourself? Get CPR certified. Drowning victims who are rescued from the water need CPR immediately—before the paramedics arrive. It can prevent brain damage and can make the difference between life and death.

By knowing and practicing these safety precautions you will ensure that you and your family have a fun and safe water experience.

Many of the local swim programs fill up fast, so start your research now. I’ve already enrolled my kids in group swim lessons as well as a summer junior guards program. One of my boys did not want to participate in any swim related activity, but I am forcing him to do so. Yes, I am that kind of mom. In my opinion, there is no room for negotiation when it comes to swim safety.

Don't sit around while your kids are in lessons, instead jump in the pool and swim some laps! Swimming offers an excellent cardiovascular workout with zero impact and burns up to 600 calories an hour.

In Cupertino, there are several facilities that offer swim lessons for your child and CPR lessons for you. Most pools also have a lap-pool where you can get your exercise in too. Here’s a list to get you started.

Cupertino Parks and Recreation Department (offer swim lessons and CPR certification)

De Anza Cupertino Aquatics

Sutton Swim School

Rancho Rinconada Recreation Center