I’m spending a few days by the pool with my kids right now and, although the older two are both excellent swimmers, I am well aware of how very easy it is for even an expert swimmer to drown.  After five years of swim lessons, I feel comfortable sitting on the side of the pool keeping an eye on my kids instead of being in the water with them — but I make sure that I keep an eye on them.  The little one, at two-years-old, requires constant, hands-on, in-the-water attention.  Even with a swim ring, it would be too easy for him to flop over, end up upside-down, and not be able to right himself.  Sadly, not everyone understands that.

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