Swimming is a great way to escape the summer heat, but firefighters urge residents to make sure they do so with caution.

Wilmington Deputy Fire Chief John Brown said the department faces an increased number of safety issues during summer months, and among them are incidents from water activities.

Brown said the biggest piece of advice he can offer for pool safety is to monitor the area closely.

“The big thing with kids is to never leave them unattended, even for a minute,” said Brown. “My own personal feeling is that no one should be unattended in a pool, even adults. It could be a four foot pool, but if something happens when someone is swimming, if no one is watching they aren’t going to be able to help.”

Silver Lake is another area where Brown urges caution as residents flock to the area to swim and head out on their boats.

Brown said firefighters normally receive a few calls each year for reports of an overturned canoe or kayak, or other people in distress on the water.

The Deputy Chief said every person in a boat should have life jackets. In addition, he urged swimmers to keep track of just how deep the water gets.

“All of the sudden you can be in water that’s over your head,” said Brown. “If you are questionable at all about your swimming abilities, stay somewhere close to shore. You can still have a refreshing dip without putting yourself in danger.”