ER doc urges parents to talk to kids of all ages about water safety

School’s getting out for the summer and kids will soon be hitting backyard pools, lakes and swimming holes. Des Moines emergency room doctor Lydia Holm says accidental drowning is a top killer of kids who’re toddlers — but she says it should also be a concern for parents who have teenagers. Holm says that’s “because they will do risk-taking behaviors,” such as drinking and swimming. Holm says teens have a feeling of invincibility that can get them into trouble, so teens will jump off bridges and jump into water which they don’t know how deep it is. Holm says she’s seen kids with broken necks and spinal injuries from jumping into murky water and shallow water. Holm says you need to remind kids of the dangers of taking risks while swimming. Holm says you should talk to your kids and have a swimming plan so that everyone can be safe because a little talk can prevent some long-term pain and trouble.