“We urge everyone to follow the Safer3 tips for best water safety practices,” said Burgess. “For Safer Water, prevent children’s unsupervised access with barriers and alarms; for Safer Kids, designate a “Water Watcher” to supervise kids when they are in or around water and teach them swimming and water safety skills from a young age; for Safer Response, learn CPR and have a phone and a reaching pole by the pool.”

“We urge everyone to know and follow the Safer 3 rules developed by the Swim For Life Foundation so your summer is not marred by tragedy and heartbreak.

“We hope this new report sparks a national conversation that will raise public awareness and promote safer behaviors among parents and swimming pool and spa owners.”

“Drowning is so swift and silent that even a momentary distraction can lead to tragedy.

“Our research shows that 70 percent of African American and 62 percent of Hispanic children can’t swim.

“This is an ambitious program in which the NDPA and Life Saver hope to donate several pool fences each month.”

“Drowning is preventable if you identify the risk and take steps to minimize it.”

“Every person, of every ability, should have the best possible experience while he or she is in the water,”

“We are proud to add the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, which has already saved many lives, as a chapter. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance will help the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project reach an even broader audience with our lifesaving message.”

“Bruce is a fierce advocate for promoting the importance of learning how to swim. He believes that all children need to know how to swim because swimming is the only sport that can save your life.”

“These resources have the potential to save many young lives. We are confident they will be widely utilized.”

“These PSAs were designed to be engaging and entertaining, while providing easily understood safety tips.”

“This curriculum goes beyond teaching water safety lessons. Early childhood educators can feel good about integrating this into their instruction plan because it also supports pre-school and kindergarten learning objectives, such as language development, critical thinking, small and large motor skills and others.”

“Symposium attendees will be inspired by what they hear. Connections and life-changing collaborations will result and great ideas will flow outward from NDPA symposium participants.”

Lake Michigan waters often have “washing machine” surf filled with “flash rips,” which are nearly impossible to escape without some type of flotation device.