Enjoy fun, healthy and safe summer in the water
Drowning happens fast, faster than most people realize. In as little as 20 seconds, a child or adult can slip under the water and disappear. No splashing. No yelling. No warning. It happens quickly, quietly, and it can happen to anyone.
Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four. Last year, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported 12 pool drownings among children ages 0 to 5, which sadly represented a six-year high in the number of pool drownings.
And it’s not just young kids. Between 2020 to 2024, 473 Virginians died from drowning. More than half of those deaths happened in natural waters like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Drowning can happen to anyone – children, teens, even strong adult swimmers. It only takes a moment.
That’s why this summer, VDH is asking adults to take the Safe Swimming Pledge and make water safety a daily habit.
2026 Safe Swimming Pledge
I promise to:
- Never leave children unattended near water and always remain within arm’s reach.
- Designate a water watcher every single time children in my care are in or near the water. A Water Watcher is a responsible adult who agrees to watch the kids in the water without distractions.
- Make sure children in my care know how to swim.
- Learn CPR and know how to use lifesaving equipment like throw rings, rescue tubes, and reaching poles.
- Ensure any permanent pool I am responsible for has a proper fence and gate and safe drain covers and any portable pool ladders are removed when not in use.
Thank you for doing your part to ensure we all have a safe and healthy summer of fun. Visit swimhealthyva.com or the Department of Social Service’s Water Safety page for more safe swimming tips. Remember: swim safe, stay safe!