Water safety for kids involves watchful eyes and bright swimwear, parents say

With temperatures expected to reach the 90s in Minnesota this weekend, many people are looking for relief. 

Hitting beaches and pools will be that relief for many, and with two recent drownings and a near-drowning at area parks and lakes in the state, many parents are working together to make sure kids are safe.

"You just got to watch the kids and make sure that no one is assuming that one of us is watching the kids. We are watching the kids. That's the biggest thing," Jenny Harper, a mother, said.

Many areas have lifeguards. At Wirth Lake Beach in Minneapolis, water safety officials give lifesaving swimming lessons.

"To swim and to swim on my back and stuff," James, an 8-year-old boy, said.

James added that the lessons help him and his 6-year-old brother, Emmit, stay safe when they are in the water, including wearing bright clothes while swimming.

"So you are not the same color as the water so you can see the person in the water," he said. 

Jack Bartsh, director of athletics, aquatics, ice arenas and golf with Minneapolis Parks and Recreation, urges people never to swim in unauthorized areas, never to swim alone, not to swallow lake water and to watch children closely, no matter what their swimming skill level is.

Officials say to make sure to follow all posted signage and rules at area pools, lakes and beaches.