credit: plasticrevolverSummer safety. Kids love water and are drawn to it, especially to pools. They are adventuresome and spontaneous and risk takers. Let's face it, most act before thinking and that can be a dangerous thing.

Nothing is more heartbreaking than to hear of a child drowning, especially when it could have been avoided by closer supervision, or more caution on the part of the parents. What a horrible burden to carry for the rest of their lives. Here are some reminders for safety this summer and every day:

• Children need to be closely supervised, not just in pools, but in a bathtub or a spa, or any standing water.
• A bucket of water left over from a car washing could be disastrous if a small child stumbled into it head first. It has happened many times.
• Don't let young kids play unsupervised in bathrooms.
• If you have a pool there may be local laws that apply, but the pool should be surrounded with a fence at least four feet high. Gates should automatically close and latch, with latches out of kids' reach. Remove toys from the area when not in use.
• In pools, keep kids younger than five within arm's reach. Water toys are not life preservers.

A distracting phone call for just a moment could be enough time for your baby to go under. Don't take the chance. Be vigilant and constantly aware around water.

For a safe and healthy summer around the cool water,

The Schoolmarm