The American Red Cross Northeast Pennsylvania Region offered water safety tips for the summer.

"By making water safety your priority, you can deter and eliminate water-related accidents from happening and have a fun and enjoyable summer," said Peter M. Brown, regional CEO.

Take swimming lessons if you haven't already. Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy.

Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child's life to another child.

Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a life jacket; be cautious around natural bodies of water and not swim in areas not approved for swimming. Boaters should wear a life jacket and avoid alcohol use.

Pool owners should install alarms and use a safety cover when the pool is not in use. Remove access ladders to above-ground pools and do not leave toys in and around the pool area.

Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a difference when seconds count. If a child is missing, check the water first and know how and when to call 911.

To learn more, enroll in Red Cross courses such as home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED and swimming lessons.