OKEMOS - May marks National Water Safety month & Goldfish Swim School, right here in Okemos, is offering lessons and tips for children to take precautions in the upcoming summer months.

With drowning being the leading cause of accidental death, new mom Katie Cervenak wants to make sure her kids are well prepared when it comes to water safety.

“With our kids being around a lot of pools in the summer, it’s very important to my husband and myself that the kids learn the rules about being around the pool and learning the safety of swimming and that they also know how to roll on their back if they get tired or if they start to panic in a situation where they’re in water,” said Katie Cervenak, Goldfish Swim School member.

Goldfish Swim School, located in Okemos, offers a variety of swimming lessons to help children adjust and feel more comfortable and confident in the water.

“At Goldfish we take water safety very seriously; it’s part of our curriculum for all ages. We’re always pushing for water safety as well as well as learning to swim. We are the only school in Ingham County that teaches kids as young as four months,” said Sara Mesnard, Assistant General Manager of Goldfish Swim School.

And with seven deaths alone in Ingham County from 2004-2010, there is no such thing as starting too young or being too careful.

“When you’re utilizing the pool make sure there’s an adult there at all times to keep an eye on the kids and such. If you’ve got younger kids put a flotation device on them. To go swimming in lakes be cognizant of the currents that are there and if there are warnings about currents heed those warnings,” said Bill Priese, Chief of Training/EMS Operations for Meridian Township Fire Department.

Enrollment in water safety classes is booming, just in time for the summer months, but according to Priese, the best prevention is that of adult supervision.

“Have parental supervision around when you’re in the water with the kids is the best thing you can do to keep and eye on them at all times,” said Priese.

Water Safety Day is May 16th at Goldfish Swim School and is a free event with games and activities. Safety personnel will be present as well. For more information about water safety or to enroll in swim lessons call (517)-458-5555 or log online to www.goldfishswimschool.com.