MOSES LAKE - If you're a kid in the Columbia Basin, summer means swimming. But if you're a parent, the thought of kids swimming probably means anxiety.

And a certain amount of concern is warranted, according to officials with the Grant County Health District.

Each year in Washington, drowning reportedly accounts for an average of 24 deaths, 26 hospitalizations for near-drownings and about 110 visits to the emergency room for kids. In Grant County, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 17, and just last August a 13-year-old Ephrata boy drowned while swimming with friends and family at Connelly Park.

In light of the risks, Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones urges caution and attention to swimming safety while on or near the water this summer.

"Although water sports are fun for everyone, including children, kids are the most susceptible to drowning because simple rules are not followed," he said. "When your children are swimming, make sure that their swimming capabilities are enough to keep them safe."

Tom Los, of Moses Lake Parks and Recreation, said  that he knows the importance of swimming education first hand.

"I had two friends growing up who didn't know how to swim and drowned," he said. "We are surrounded by so much water here, and at some point these kids when they get older are going to want to go swimming with their friends. If we don't have them in lessons, they're going to be exposed to drowning."

Kids as young as 4 years old can strike out on their own with swimming lessons, and infants as young as 6 months can be introduced to swimming with the help of their parents, Los said, pointing to "Mommy and Me" classes offered by the city.

"Exposing infants to the water is important, because if they're not exposed, they're going to have a fear of it and that's what you don't want. You want them to be comfortable with it as early as possible."

Los said everyone learns at a different pace, and a broad range of lessons teach everything from the basics of floating to advanced swimming strokes. Each level includes some form of water safety education, he added.

"It's all about how far you want to take your kid in aquatics," he said. "Kids are going to feel safe and comfortable around water if they know how to swim."

The Moses Lake Surf n' Slide Water Park opened May 26, and is signing people up now for swim lessons that begin June 18 through the American Red Cross. The 30-minute lessons are held Monday through Thursday and cost $25 per two week session. Visit www.cityofml.com for more information, or call 509-764-3842.

Swimming lessons are also offered at Moses Lake High School's indoor pool, which opens for extended hours starting June 12. Summer swim lessons cost $30 per eight-class session and start June 18, running Monday through Thursday through August 23. Private swim lessons are available for $15 per 30-minute session, and adult lessons are also offered. For more information or to register for classes contact cpitts@mlsd.wednet.edu or call the pool at 766-2666 extension 2970.

Moses Lake is just one of several cities offering lessons this season.

In Quincy, the aquatic center opens Friday with expanded swim class options this year, including a 55-minute class and a 45-minute class. For more information and costs call 509-787-3523, extension 251, or visit www.qtownrec.us.

Also opening this weekend is the Othello community pool, with half-hour swim lessons offered Monday through Friday at $31 a session, starting June 18. Call 509-488-6997 or 509-488-4313 for more information.

The Ephrata Splash Zone opens Monday, with swim lessons starting the same day and running through August 16. Fees range from $30 to $75 depending on the type of lessons. Call 509-754-3456 or visit www.ephrata.org for information.

Los said if it were up to him, swimming lessons would be mandatory for all kids growing up in the Columbia Basin.

"I don't think they should be optional. Just like you teach your kids how to ride a bike, you should teach them how to swim," he said. "Living in Grant County, we're surrounded by water and the more we educate our kids on water safety, the fewer drownings we're going to have in this area."