With summer underway, it’s important to keep swimming and pool safety in mind. One of the best ways to learn how to swim safely is to take swimming lessons, and the pools in Washington County offer them for kids and adults alike. If someone is not a strong swimmer and starts struggling, YMCA Aquatics Director Brittanie Adrian says they should remain calm and attempt to turn over on their backs, using their legs to kick until they can get to the edge of the water.

Adrian adds when people are out on boats, it’s important to wear life jackets regardless of how strong a swimmer they may be. When swimming in private pools, she advises to never swim alone and always have someone close by. Finally, she said to avoid holding your breath underwater, as this can lead to shallow water blackout which can make people pass out from lack of oxygen.