JULY: We know from past experience that July is usually pretty hot, for us northerners, anyway.

One great way to cool off is to take a dip in a pool, or even a nice, cool stream.

With that in mind, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection has offered a list of safety tips to prevent drowning.

•Adult Supervision. This is the number one way to prevent drowning. Never leave a child unattended in or near water, and always designate a Water Watcher. This person should not be reading, texting, using a smartphone, drinking alcoholic beverages, or otherwise distracted.

•Swim Lessons. Multiple studies show swim lessons prevent drowning. Learn how to swim and teach your child how to swim.

•Life Jackets. Put life jackets on kids anytime they are on a boat or participating in other open water recreational activities. Personal flotation devices should always be used for children that do not know how to swim.

•Learn CPR.Every second counts and CPR can help in an emergency.

•Put Up Barriers. Install appropriate safety barriers around in-home pools and spas. This includes fences, gates, door alarms and covers.

•Pool Alarms. Install a pool alarm to detect and provide notification of unattended pool access.

•Small Pools. Drain and put away smaller portable pools when not in use.

•Cover Drains. Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid them getting stuck. Also, ensure any pool and spa you use has drain covers that comply with federal safety standards, which include drain shape, drain cover size, and rate of water flow.