DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old. But Dominic Santomassimo, the CEO of Decatur Family YMCA, says drowning deaths are preventable. 

"The biggest thing that we all need to worry about is just watching out kids when they swim," said Santomassimo. "You don't have to be a lifeguard to keep somebody safe, if you're a diligent water watcher, so a parent or adult watching their kid swim, its one of the most preventable things." 

Santomassimo says its important to make sure someone is keeping their eyes on the water at all times. That adult should be sober and not easily distracted by other things. 

It's especially important to stay vigilant when kids swim for the first time each summer. They may need to readjust to the water and remember how to swim. 

"For a young person, water can be scary," said Santomassimo. "So especially for youth, working with a parent and a swim instructor kind of helps them get comfortable in the water. Teach them things like reaching for the side, calling for help, and being able to back float, things that instantly make you a safer swimmer." 

Santomassimo says its important to teach your kids what to do if they are struggling to swim or spot someone else who needs help. It's also critical to make sure they know how to get out of the water and know how far in the pool or lake they can touch the ground.  

The Decatur Family YMCA offers swim lessons for kids and adults. 

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