(Des Moines, IA) -- The YMCA of Des Moines is marking the start of the outdoor swimming season by urging participation in a program called "Water Watchers."
"It's so important that when you are at those places, where there's no lifeguard on duty that you have a water watcher on duty, who is watching for things that might go wrong and taking action immediately if they see someone in trouble," said Ruth Comer of the YMCA in Des Moines. She says it's an easy concept, and just involves people taking a 15-minute shift or so to keep an eye on swimmers in a private pool or other outdoor recreation area.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for toddlers in the U-S. Drownings for younger children most commonly happen in hot tubs and private pools. Drowning is the second leading cause of death for older children.
Members of the YMCA can enroll in a water watchers program, and receive a lanyard to be worn in settings where adults agree to keep an eye on swimmers.
(Photos from Getty Images)