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After toddler almost drowns in Owasso, Miller Swim School says these incidents on the rise

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OWASSO, Okla. -- A two-year-old is recovering after a near fatal incident at his grandmother's house in Owasso.

The toddler was found in the pool after going missing for close to five minutes. He's at St. Francis now, and Tulsa County Sheriff's deputies tell us the extent of the two-year-old's injuries will not be known for the next few days.

The accident unfolded at a pool party of at least 20 people Monday night, and swim instructors tell 2 Works for You these accidents are becoming far too common.

"We're already seeing so many drownings and it's only the beginning of the season. We are only at the 5th of June today. We have a long ways to go of warm weather in Oklahoma," Gina Miller Kinnison with Miller Swim School said.

Just this last weekend her sons were life guarding, and helped save multiple children.

"They were guarding a party for us. One of them had to save four children and none of them had parents around who saw them get into the water," Miller Kinnison said.

Alex Mross lives down the street from the family in Owasso, and said the incident hits close to home. She made her grandchildren take swim lessons before she let them near the pool, and added a safety cover when it wasn't being used.

"Unless there's a parent with them, we don't let them come swim. That was one rule. No parent, no swim," Mross said.

Miller Kinnison said there should always be a set of eyes on the pool, and ideally someone who is CPR certified nearby. As a grandmother to a two-year-old herself, she's made these rules a priority.

"I don't know what I would do if something happened to her and tore our family unit up. That would be devastating for me. So I would like to tell everybody what I would tell my own daughter that is so important and it's that you must have a water watcher at all times," Miller Kinnison said.

Swim school staff recommend hiring a lifeguard if you're having a larger pool party, and keep rescue equipment close to the water when possible.

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