OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
Owensboro firefighters get hands on training to keep everyone safe at the pools.
But officials stress water safety is everyone's responsibility. With summer in full swing, pools are packed.
"We practice the spine board, and the stokes basket. We also practice rescue techniques in the event we actually have to get in the water and rescue someone," said battalion chief Steve Leonard.
The Owensboro Fire Department is making sure they're ready for any water emergency that may come their way.
"Each situation is different, depending on the body of water," Leonard said.
Crews brushed up on water rescues. Even proficient swimmers need a few reminders.
"If they can't swim across a pool unattended, it means their swimming skills aren't strong enough to be left alone and drowning can happen quickly," said swim coach Jan Ward.
Ward says she still tells her team to be cautious around water.
"Even the best swimmer can fall and hit their head. And even the best swimmer, if you hold them under, they can't breathe so we're careful when we play games," Ward said.
Leonard says most drownings are avoidable.
"The best prevention is making sure everyone in your family knows how to swim," Leonard said.
Leonard says the main concern this summer isn't public pools but the ones found right in the backyard of hundreds of homes.
"It doesn't take much water to drown you. Water doesn't have to be over your head, " Leonard said.
So as training continues here, Leonard encourages swimmers to prevent emergencies from happening in the first place.
There has already been one drowning so far this year in Owensboro and a water rescue on the Ohio River.
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