Drownings sadly take place around the city each year, and as we've previously reported, this year is no different. That's why water safety is so important and is more than just learning how to swim.

Shawn Slevin, the founder of the Swim Strong Foundation joined NY1 to share more.

Slevin's swim safety tips: make sure there's always a lifeguard around, swim with a buddy and make sure that when you enter the water you go in feet first if you're not a swimmer or don't know the terrain below.

Climate change is making water safety even more important, especially as storms and hurricanes get stronger and lead to more flooding. The foundation is trying to get legislation passed that would make water safety training mandated as part of the curriculum in city and state schools.