KILLEEN, TX — May marks National Water Safety Month.
The National Safety Council reports, drownings are the second leading cause of preventable death for children ages 15 and younger.
According to their research, 353 people ages 5 to 24 drowned in 2017.
As the weather warms up and people head to the water, whether it's a pool or a lake, experts shared there are safety procedures you should follow.
"Preparation is number one. One thing we're taught as a lifeguard and I strongly agree with it is the mentality of prevention," said Alejandro Resto, head lifeguard at the Armed Services YMCA Killeen.
Water safety experts shared kids should always be supervised and inexperienced swimmers and young children should wear life jackets.
If you want more tips or you yourself need to learn how to swim, the ASYMCA has classes for swimmers of all ages.
It is also recommend that you check the weather forecast before heading to the water.
