Three people have drowned in the Midlands since last week. Two drowned in swimming pools, while one drowned in a neighborhood pond.
It's the time of year when people are headed pools in droves. In fact, 6,000 have already visited Greenview Water Park in Columbia since Memorial Day.
But before you jump in the water, we learned how city pools in the area are working to keep you safe.
Trained water safety instructors are on standby whenever you get into pools at Greenview Water Park, Drew Wellness Center and Maxcy Gregg, according to the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation.
"The main thing is when you go to a public pool or any type pool, you have to have rules and you have lifeguards on duty," said Nathaniel Stevenson, the city's aquatics coordinator. "You don't date go swimming at a public pool or any pool unless you have certified lifeguards on duty."
A member of the aquatic staff watches every section of the park, ready to rescue anyone struggling in the water.
"Statistics have shown us that the average person drowning in a pool is about a foot away from safety," said Stevenson. "That's an easy rescue to make."
Greenview lifeguards Donald Gist and RJ Holman demonstrated two pool rescues using a rescue tube and an extension poll. Both pieces of equipment are available at all city pools at anytime, along with an AED kit and emergency kit.
"The average person can drown within 3 or 4 minutes," Stevenson explained.
When members of the aquatic staff are on duty, they look for signs of distress.
"If you see somebody drowning, you can tell by their facial expression that they really need help," said Gist. "You can tell somebody that's really fighting the water because they'll be trying to gasp for air as well as trying to grab onto something that's close by."
Any lifeguard who works at City of Columbia pools must renew their certification every two years with the American Red Cross.
To help prevent drowning, the American Red Cross recommends the following:
- Always swim in a life-guarded area
- Never take your eyes off your children when they're in the water
- Set up a barrier fence around your pool if you have one at home
- Learn swimming and water safety survival skills
- Always make sure children, inexperienced swimmers and boaters are wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket
If you're bringing someone to the pool for the first time, city facilities also have water safety videos you can watch before you get in the water. Stevenson also recommends watching WHALE Tales by the American Red Cross online, free of charge.
For a list of City of Columbia pool and splash pad locations, click here.
To find swimming classes near you, click here.