With summer getting underway this weekend, safety experts at Children’s Hospital are highlighting the ABCs of Water Safety.

“Drowning is a silent killer,” says Purnima Unni, MPH, program manager, Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. “In less than two minutes under water, a child can lose consciousness, and brain damage can occur after just four to six minutes.”

And while parents are continually cautioned about water safety, accidents still continue to happen. It’s important to know that drowning doesn’t look like dramatic splashing or shouting, Unni says.

“The sad truth is that many times the child slips under water silently, and even people near or in the pool with them have reported hearing nothing during drowning incidents,” she says.

It’s shocking, but true. And perhaps even more shocking still in the U.S.

• Every 10 minutes someone dies from drowning.
• One out of every five drowning victims is a child.
• For every child who drowns, another five children are treated for injuries related to being submerged in water.
• Overall, drowning is the No. 2 leading cause of death in children ages 5 to 14 years old.

Be wise this swimming season, and mindfully practice water safety. An easy acronym can help!

The ABCs of Water Safety:

A – Adult supervision

• Active adult supervision is arguably the most important water safety rule. At least one adult should be focused on the pool and close enough to touch the swimmers if necessary.
• Designate an adult “water watcher.” This person’s sole responsibility is to watch the pool area for 15 minutes and not read or talk on the phone. After 15 minutes, pass the responsibility to another adult for 15 minutes, and so forth. Ensure that the “water watcher” is a sober adult who knows CPR and has basic swimming skills.
• “Floaties” (inflatable armbands) or other inflatable flotation devices are not life jackets and should never be substituted for adult supervision.

B – Barriers and boating safety

• Have a properly working physical barrier such as a fence, pool safety cover and pool alarm (one meeting code requirements).
• If the home opens directly to the pool, door alarms and locks should be installed.
• Always swim at a lifeguarded beach and pay attention to the beach warning flags.
• On a boat, wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

C – Classes

• Teach children to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for children as young as 1.
• Adults and children 13 and older should learn infant and child CPR.