WAUWATOSA, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS)— With a large am-out of pools closed for the summer due to coronavirus, families may be turning to lakes and beaches for some outdoor fun.

Kids are ready to head into summer with a splash, beating the heat with some fun in the water. But with a large amount of pools closed for the season, lakes and beaches may be the go to spot.

“More and more families are going to be heading to the beaches with their families on hot days but many of the beaches in our area are unguarded this summer because we don’t have enough lifeguards,” YMCA of Greater Waukesha County Aquatic Director, Jacque Mohar said.

Without lifeguards on duty at these locations that is taking away an extra set of eyes on the kids and the water. Which means water safety and swimming lessons are important. Jacque Mohar with the YMCA says her biggest concern this summer is not having enough eyes on those in the water. 

“My biggest concern as an aquatic professional and a parent is its so easy to lose track of you kids especially near the water and that’s where we have to be doubly vigilant and assign someone to be a water watcher,” Mohar said.

She says one of the most important things you can do is make sure those in your family know how to roll over in the water no matter their age, it could help save their life.

“That is a main safety skill should learn if they are a beginner swimmer or a fearful, don’t want to get in the water but might get on a boat… everyone should learn how to roll to their back to float it could save their lives,” Mohar said.

Although the summer is about fun, safety should always come first. The YMCA of greater waukesha county is one of the only locations around the area providing swim lessons and life guard training during this time. For more information on how to sign up, click HERE.