EMSA releases tips to prevent drowning incidents

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Every summer, EMSA prepares for pediatric drowning incidents.

According to EMSA, these incidents are avoidable and families are encouraged to take precautions to prevent them.

EMSA says to watch for the following signs of drowning:

• A drowning person will be struggling for air, so they will not be able to scream for help or alert you.
• A person's head may be tilted back with their mouth open.
• A person's head may be low in the water with their mouth at water level.
• The person's eyes may be closed, glossy, or appear to be staring off into space.
• A drowning person may be vertical in the water and appear to be trying to climb an invisible ladder. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drowning is the leading cause of death for kids ages 1 to 4 years old. It is also the second leading cause of unintentional injury among kids 5 to 14 years old.

The CDC also says around 40 million adults in America do not know how to swim.