As summer approaches, water safety becomes increasingly important, as pools open and people flock to beaches. 

As part of Water Safety Month this month, News 12 spoke with the swim team at the BedStuy YMCA about the best ways to stay safe.

“We mostly see drownings between May and August because of some summer months, so we gotta watch out for pools, beaches, oceans, also water parks” said one member of the swim team. 

The three important things that people need to remember are to not hold your breath underwater, to keep kids close in a pool setting and to get your kids in the water early in their childhood.

According to the staff at the BedStuy YMCA, an average of two people lose their lives to drowning every day nationwide, which is why Water Safety Month is so important.

If water safety is something you’re passionate about, the YMCA is one of the places you can earn a lifeguard certification.