Well Savvy Auntie, it's summer time so of course your nieces and nephews want to hang with their coolest auntie who happens to have a great pool at her condo. Show your sibs that you are savvy and serious about pool and swimming safety.  

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury related death in kids between the ages of 1-14.  According to the CDC, there are over 3500 fatal drownings a year, with one in four fatal drowning victims under the age of 14. And for every child that dies from drowning, four more are seen in the emergency room with submersion injuries which can cause brain damage resulting in life long disabilities. Almost 75% of child drownings occur because of a lapse in adult supervision.

Remember, it only takes a minute for a tragedy to occur. There is a misconception that you will hear thrashing and splashing and a call for help, but in actuality kids just silently slip under water.

Here are some tips from the American Red Cross to keep your nieces and nephews and all kids safe when you hit pools this summer:

1. Know your nieces or nephews swimming  limits and stay within them

2. Never leave them alone or even turn you back on them  for a minute, not even for a quick phone call or bathroom break

3. Don’t substitute swimmies or flotation devices for adult supervision

4. Obey no diving signs and never go in head first if you are unsure of the water depth

5. Long hair and limbs can get caught in pool drains, so steer clear of them and notify someone if you notice the pool has an uncovered drains

6. Watch out for the toos…too cold, too tired, too far from safety and too much sun

7. Finally, consider taking a CPR course so you are prepared in an emergency

Now you're a safe and Savvy Auntie and ready for some fun in the sun… Don’t forget the sunscreen!