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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner and warmer weather calls for outdoor water activities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While days by the pool, river, lake or ocean are fun, water safety is crucial.<\/p>\n
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>, drowning is the highest cause of accidental death for children ages one through five.<\/p>\n \u201cThe temperatures are rising, and we all want to go to swimming pools, rivers, beaches; and we need to protect our children,\u201d Michelle Corson with Kern County Public Health said.<\/p>\n \u00a0Shop smarter, not harder: Using AI for meal planning and grocery shopping\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n In an effort to do so, Kern County Public Health launches its Water Watchers program every year.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is ensuring that there is always someone watching the children,\u201d Corson said.<\/p>\n The lanyard is for any adult supervising children near water.<\/p>\n \u201cThis has a little whistle on it so you can get the other adults\u2019 attention if you see a child in distress.\u201d<\/p>\n Other than pool days, river rafting is another fun activity to help cool down, but the Kern River can be challenging for many.<\/p>\n \u201cThe water may look calm up top, but the undercurrents are very strong, there are hazards, low temperatures. Even the strongest swimmers can have a difficult time in the river,\u201d Jorge Esparza, a fire engineer with the Bakersfield Fire Department said.<\/p>\n According to the BFD, the Kern River takes five to seven lives each year.<\/p>\n In preparation for eventual emergency calls, BFD sets time aside around this time of year to train for river rescues.<\/p>\n \u201cThe biggest concerns we have are: we have the appropriate number of personnel, we have the appropriate gear, and we have a plan,\u201d Esparza said.<\/p>\n Ways you can plan ahead and be safe are simple, proper supervision but also swimming lessons for children.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cKnowing how to swim, that\u2019s really going to help kids if they get in a sticky situation, kind of lose their footing in the water, knowing how to keep their head up above water, knowing how to float,\u201d Anthony Bishop, a Recreation Specialist for the City of Bakersfield said.<\/p>\n \u00a0Watch 17 News, After Sunrise and more local news free on your smart TV. Click to learn more about KGET+\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n The City of Bakersfield will open online registration for swimming courses for children 6 months and older Friday. Information can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n In conjunction with the American Red Cross, the city also offers pediatric CPR courses to help improve safety and reduce risk this summer.<\/p>\n \u201cDrowning is silent, it is something that happens within seconds. And so it\u2019s vitally important to keep your eyes on the children,\u201d Corson said.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n