Summer Safety Tips for Your Kids

July 1, 2009 — -- As the temperature rises, millions of American children look forward to trips to the pool, lake or ocean. But every year, thousands make a very different trip -- a terrified one to the emergency room.

During the summer months there is an 89 percent increase in the number of drownings over the annual monthly average, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

To protect their kids, some parents are teaching them to learn how to survive in the water at a very young age at swimming classes for infants.

Swimming classes at such a young age -- some of the children are less than a year old -- may seem extreme to some, but the classes are just one way parents can help prevent the unthinkable from happening.

"Good Morning America" special contributor, mother and former Olympic swimmer Summer Sanders said there are a few precautions parents can take before their kids hit the water to help ensure that everyone comes home safe.

Check out her tips on the next page and learn more about the infant swimming classes at InfantSwim.com.

Also, get more summer safety tips from the Red Cross by clicking here.