VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — With temperatures reaching the 90s during the Fourth of July holiday, many people dipped in the water to cool off.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4 years old.
But there are ways to ensure you're safe in the water.
"Here in the ocean, there are no lay lines, there are no markings of where's it's deep and where it's not deep, so it's a very dynamic environment," said the Chief of Virginia Beach Life Saving Service, Tom Gill.
However you celebrate the holiday, water safety experts always keep safety in mind.
"You want to follow the buddy system anywhere that you're around water, making sure no one is swimming alone regardless of their swimming ability," said Ocean Breeze Director of Marketing and Sales, Myra Wood.
Moreover, the CDC reports drowning is the second leading cause of death for children cause of unintentional injury death for children 4-14 years old.
According to the website drowningispreventable.org, if groups of people are near a body of water, one person should watch over those swimming. Also, swimmers should stay away from drains, always wear a life jacket, follow open water safety rules near bodies of water, and parents should always keep their eyes on their children.
"Keep a constant eye on your children. If everybody keeps an eye on their children, it's going to be a great day and a great weekend—Fourth of July," said Gill.
Additionally, Gill said swimmers should exercise caution when swimming in the pool and the ocean, as both pose different dangers.
The National Safety Council reports that 600 children and adults drown every year in swimming pools.