With the rise in temperature, the unofficial start of summer is here, which means many families will head to the pool to cool off. However, precautions need to be taken in order to ensure children stay safe in the pool this summer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website, an average of 10 drowning fatalities occur in the United States every day. An estimated 20 percent of those cases involved children 14-years-old and younger.

The CDC’s website suggests parents enroll their children in formal swimming lessons, which could help prevent drowning, especially for children aged 1 to 4.

The Cornerstone in Picayune is currently offering swimming lessons to members taught by certified lifeguards.

Morgan Thompson has been working as a lifeguard at their swimming pool for the past four summers. While Thompson encourages children to take swimming lessons, she said it’s just as important for parents to monitor their children when they’re near or in a pool, especially if their child isn’t a strong swimmer.

“I see a lot of parents not watching their kids when they’re in the pool and it’s so important. Even if there are lifeguards around, parents need to keep an eye out because we’re not babysitters and we have to look out for a lot of people,” Thompson said.

Heather Smith brings her son Wyatt to the pool every day. Smith said she supervises her son at all times and teaches him how to swim correctly.

“My son just took swimming lessons and he’s doing very well,” Smith said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has several tips to ensure children are safe in and around the pool this summer:

­–Adults must maintain close supervision of children at all times.

–Install a fence at least four feet high around permanent or above-ground pools to prevent children from falling in accidentally.

–Don’t depend on swim aids like inflatable armbands to keep children safe. Life jackets and vests are the best protection from drowning.

–Keep rescue equipment and a portable phone near the pool.

–Enroll children in swimming lessons. Children may be at a lower risk of drowning if they receive formal instruction.