HOWELL, NJ — The Fire Bureau posted a safety reminder to residents: Continue to be cautious around the pool or swimming spot and always have a responsible, non-distracted adult present with any young children or non-swimmers who are near water.

"A lifeguard is a great resource, but not a replacement for your own eyes and diligence when it comes to your children," the bureau posted on the township police department's Facebook site.

It said that pools, lakes, lagoons, rivers or the ocean -anywhere with more than 2 inches of water - can quickly become a drowning incident.

Also, be diligent of any standing water in buckets, planters, car wash pails, etc. that can also be a hazard for young children, the bureau urges.

The bureau urges residents to view "It Only Takes A Minute" public service video presented by the Zionsville, Ind. Fire Department.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning kills 4,000 people in the United States each year, with many of these deaths occurring despite supervision, according to a previous Patch article.

A reported total of 14 drownings have occurred in New Jersey in the first few weeks of the 2022 summer season.

Following the string of fatalities, some New Jersey officials have called for water safety instruction to be made a mandatory component of the state Department of Education's health and physical education curriculum.

Following the closure of many pools last summer due to COVID-19, officials want to ensure that parents, caregivers, and children make water safety a top priority as they return to the water this year.

Here are six tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all:

With reporting by Vianella Burns, Patch staff.

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