For kids, summertime means carefree days spent playing outside and splashing around the pool.

However, for smaller children, summer days next to the pool can be dangerous.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for infants and children, ages 1-5. Because of this, Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) instructors, like Marcy Toler, are stressing the importance of ISR classes.  

“Drowning is preventable and ISR Instructors teach children to save themselves if they were to reach the water alone,” Toler said.  

ISR is a program focused on survival swim lessons; it safely teaches infants and young children swimming skills that could possibly prevent drowning.   

“ISR lessons are not a replacement for parental supervision,” Toler said. “ISR lessons are another layer of protection to arm your child with, should they find themselves in the water alone.” 

Here are some of Toler’s water safety tips to help prevent your child from drowning:  

• Effective Supervision.  It’s the most important defense. Never turn your back on your child around water. Remember: cell phones, snacks, books and other people are distractions to your effective supervision. Supervise the water in turns with another adult to make sure your child has 100 percent of your attention. 

• Pool Fences & Alarms. Make sure your pool is appropriately secured, year-round, with a permanent four-sided pool fence, including a self-closing, self-latching gate. Visit www.poolsafely.gov for more information about Pool Safety. 

• Educate Others. Nannies, grandparents, neighbors and caregivers should know your water safety rules and have appropriately installed security devices where relevant. 

• Store All Toys. Toys are tempting; never leave them outside around water areas.  

• Keep a phone by the pool. This should be used for emergencies only.  

• Aim pool jets toward the pool’s shallow end. This creates a current that can guide a baby toward the steps to exit the pool. 

• Keep water levels full. This helps your child reach the elevated ledge and either get out or hold on and call for help (if they possess aquatic problem-solving skills).  

Toler offers lessons year-round, but during the summer months she runs lessons for extended hours at an outdoor private pool, located at NW Expressway and Morgan Road. For more information on ISR lessons, visit www.infantswimoklahoma.com or email Toler at m.toler@infantswim.com.