ABC's of Drowning Prevention will Save Lives in SOCal [VIDEO]

MISSION VIEJO, CA—Drowning in Southern California is on the rise, but it is a preventable tragedy, according to Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

Drowning--in swimming pools, standing water or the ocean--is the leading cause of accidental injury and death in children under 5 and the second leading cause of death in children under 14. Adults between ages of 50 to 75 are even more at risk when swimming alone, according to Concialdi.

READ: Near Drowning--Child Found in Ladera Ranch Community Pool

"Small children (and special needs children) need to be at arms length of whoever is watching them. When they are small, many don’t swim well or know how to swim at all," he said. "If you are old enough to babysit, you should take CPR classes."

Orange County Fire Authority stresses the ABC's of drowning prevention:

• A - Active supervision of a responsible person, not distracted by cell phone, talking to others, or leaving child unattended in water.
• B - Barriers around backyard pools.
• C – Classes. Swimming lessons for young children. Teens and adults should learn CPR

WATCH: OCFA Water Safety Message 2015 - English, ABC's of Water Safety from Orange County Fire Authority on Vimeo.

For more information, visit: OCFA.org--Drowning Prevention