(WKYT) – School is officially out for the summer here in Fayette County, which means more days at the pool.
It also means a greater risk of drowning. 
The latest CDC data says drowning remains the top cause of death for children aged one to four.
The CDC also says drowning rates are highest in the warmer months.
Prioritizing safety at the pool this summer could save a life.
In Lexington, Curtis Mitchell, Superintendent of Enterprise, Lexington Parks and Recreation said sunny days can bring large crowds to the city’s pools.
“Hundreds. Hundreds come through each one of our six aquatic centers,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said parents and guardians should be sure to keep an eye on their kids, even with lifeguards on duty.
“There [are] lifeguards that [are] stationed throughout the pool and their job is to keep track of all of our poolgoers. But with young kids, it is advised for our parents to try to keep track of them. We have our pool areas that kind of fit the youngsters a little better than the big, large pool areas,” he said.
The CDC says drowning often happens quickly and it’s silent. But, they say formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.
“Knowing how to act in any level of water is important. It doesn’t matter if it’s a foot, doesn’t matter if it’s a 10 foot pool,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said swim lessons for all ages are available through Lexington Parks and Recreation and anyone can sign up on their website.
“We have free swim lessons over at Castlewood and Douglass, which is a great benefit to the community,” he said.
Mitchell said other safety tips include wearing bright colors, applying sunscreen and staying hydrated.
“Be mindful of your energy level, be mindful of the sun,” he said.
But not every emergency is preventable, Mitchell said staff at Lexington aquatic centers would act immediately.
“We would get an ambulance here as fast as possible, depending on the situation, and we would go into, if we have to, life saving measures. And every one of our lifeguards is certified to do those things,” Mitchell said.
The CDC says preventative measures like wearing a life jacket and learning CPR could save a life.