Aqua-Tots recommends that parents take action for a safer summer. Four-sided fences with self-latching gates and locks should surround backyard pools. Additionally, children should start swim lessons ...

Follow Myanmar-Bangkok Earthquake Live Updates here The man on the deck urgently gestured for the couple to get out, making the couple abandon their floaties and quickly swim toward the pool's edge.

Most kids can swim short distances independently – without floaties and without adult help – by around age 6 or 7, with consistent exposure and lessons. But again, that's just an average.