Click here to read about Sudiksha Konanki on NBC news.

The tragic drowning of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki on a trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic hits all of us close to home. Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old junior, went to Punta Cana on March 3 with five female friends for spring break. She was last seen around 4:15 a.m. March 6 after going to the beach with friends when there  was no lifeguard on duty.

As many of you know,  an average of 3,500 to 4,000 people drown per year. That is an average of 10 fatal drownings per day. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. 25% of those drownings occur at family pools.

What makes Konanki's death so tragic is it could have been avoided. Spring is a time when many of us work to improve ours and our children's swimming skills to get ready for Summer aquatic activities.

Please make sure that you never go into the ocean when there is no lifeguard. A riptide can pull someone out to sea even if they are knee deep.

At Penguin City Swim we teach our students to take the water seriously. Whether you join us or not this Spring, please follow these tips and share them with your friends and family.

1. Never Swim Alone
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2. Supervise Children
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3. Designate a Water Watcher:

If you have a pool party, make sure a responsible adult is actively watching children in or near the water.
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4. Learn to Swim:

Knowing how to swim is one of the most important ways to prevent water safety incidents.
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5. Know Your Limits
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6. Check the Weather

Before going out on the water, check the weather forecast and be aware of potential hazards.
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7. Respect the Water

Be aware of the power and unpredictability of water, and always be cautious.
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8. Specific Safety Tips:

Avoid Breath-Holding Games.
Obey all hazard signs: Pay attention to any warning signs or restrictions in place.
Swim in safe or designated areas only and by a lifeguard.

If you want to learn more about keeping yourself and your children safe this summer, please call us anytime at (917) 909- 7946 (SWIM) or email us at swim@penguincityswim.com.

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Our sincerest condolences go out to the family of Sudishka Konaki for their unimaginable loss. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.

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