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Most parents don't know CPR but would like to learn

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It’s not something a parent wants to think about, what to do if their child is drowning.

That’s why many families were at the Bay water park early this morning. Free swim lessons through the Kansas City parks and recreation department started this week, and it’s the first defense to keeping your child safe in the water.

These parents were being proactive, but we wanted to know if they were prepared if their child was drowning. We asked several parents if they knew CPR. Most we spoke with did not.

So what would they do if their child was in trouble?

“Pull him out of the water as soon as possible and hope that a lifeguard is there,” said Colby Morton, the father of a 3-year-old learning to swim.

Morton says he once was CPR certified, but it was so long ago he’s not sure he would even know where to start.

Brenda Bergthold says she was also once CPR certified, but would be up for a refresher course, especially after a close call with her 10-year-old son.

“Actually I had to do that at a hotel pool, he wasn’t far enough, I mean I saw him go down so he didn’t need CPR. But, that’s when I decided this kid needs swim lessons,” said Bergthold.

The scare was a wake-up call and Bergthold signed up her son for the first swim class available.

“He doesn’t have to be an Olympic swimmer, but I want him to be able to save himself in a pool,” said Bergthold.

Bergthold says had she needed to use CPR on her son, she probably could have, but if a refresher course was available she would definitely sign up.

“Many years ago, when I was in college it was a class I took, but that was a long time ago,” said Bergthold.

We learned for most parents that’s not the case. Many parents have never learned or been certified in CPR.

“I think on the surface you see a lot that maybe don’t know the basic hands-only CPR,” said Chad Beasley, Director of Aquatics with Midwest Pool Management.

While swim lessons are the first defense and certified lifeguards are the second, pool staff still say the more parents trained, the better.

And if anything, it’s good to know the basics.

“Really the basic thing is compressions. You want to start compressions and get those compressions going. It helps circulate the blood flow when the heart has stopped,” said Beasley.

If you would like to enroll your child in free swim lessons there are several sessions throughout the summer. You can find more information here.