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JEFFERSON CITY -- Area pools are open, and ready for business and kids across Mid Missouri are eager to take a dip.

But before you lather up with sunscreen and jump in, KRCG 13's Meghan Lane spoke with the Jefferson City YMCA's Aquatic's Director about an alarming statistic dealing with our little ones in the water.

Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning.

With that said, drowning is the leading cause of injury death among children 4-years-old and younger.

The centers for disease control says children most commonly drowned in swimming pools.

YMCA Aquatics Director Ronnie Phelps said two things usually play a role in those tragedies.

"One is having experience around the water and the other is inattention,” Phelps said.   “Parents taking their eyes off the kids even for just a moment.  It only takes a moment."

It doesn't take much water either for what should have been a fun day at the pool to turn into a parents worst nightmare.

"It's about 2-inches of water and if they're face-down and they're not strong enough or of an age where they can push themselves up, they can drown," Phelps said.

She said swimming lessons should be a top priority of parents with little ones.

"Number one, formal swim lessons do help, in helping your child learn how to be safe around the water and how to learn to swim," Phelps said.

And it's not only about the children, she says the entire family should be comfortable in the water.

"Children from non-swimming households are 8 times more likely to experience an accidental drowning," Phelps said.

Other tips for safe swimming this summer:

- Learn CPR

- Keep your pool fenced off

- Make sure your child is wearing a life jacket

- Always be on the lookout

- Set swimming rules

- Never swim alone

The CDC said the drowning death rate among males was about 4 times that of females.

It also said 9 out of 10 children who drown are under the care of one or both parents at the time, 75% were out of sight for less than 5 minutes and within 50-feet of safety.