Red Cross Promotes Water Safety

The American Red Cross chapter in Chicago wants
Illinois residents to exercise caution as they take to area lakes
and swimming pools this summer to beat the heat.

The Red Cross issued a warning Thursday asking residents to
practice water safety to reduce the risk of water accidents and
drownings. Glen O'Sullivan is an aquatics instructors with the Red
Cross. O'Sullivan says the first thing residents can do to lessen
their risk is to learn to swim.

Other tips include avoiding alcohol use while in the water and
parents maintaining constant supervision of children while they're
in or near the water. The Red Cross also says lifesaving equipment,
such as first aid kits or ring buoys, should be nearby.