I was 13 when I didn't see a kid drowning. I was right beside the pool. Suddenly a girl yelled, "He's drowning!" and dived off the board to the bottom.

One of the most insidious types of drownings is when a person is 'practicing' holding their breath under water. You see the kid come up, take a few breaths, hold his nose and go under, again and again. After a few minutes, someone may notice that he hasn't come up. Or not notice.

The explanation that I have heard is that taking several rapid breaths and then submerging can cause you to pass out under water. No one sees you unless you have made a point of having someone give you their undivided attention to make sure you remain conscious.

Don't let your kids do this unless you're right there with them. RIGHT THERE!

Reflection off the surface of the water will also obscure vision of a drowning person.

Sue