Chesterfield Health District Provides Tips to Swim Safe, Stay Safe this Summer
2025 Healthy & Safe Swim Week is May 19 to 25
The summer swimming season kicks off with Healthy & Safe Swimming Week, May 19 to 25. Chesterfield Health District offers guidance to prevent illness, injuries and drowning, and to ensure a safe summer of swimming at the pool, in open waters or at the beach.
Environmental health inspectors have been visiting community pools to make sure the snack bars follow proper food safety measures and the pools have the required daily water quality information posted according to Virginia Administrative Code.
Chesterfield Health District director Alexander Samuel, M.D. wants to get the word out about summer water safety.
“This is a time when people are celebrating graduations and heading off on vacations,” Dr. Samuel said. “No one wants to think about water-borne illnesses or the possibility of drowning, but a little preparation goes a long way.”
Drowning often occurs when a person is submerged in water for too long, preventing them from breathing. According to the CDC, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned between 2020 and 2024. Of those who drowned, 90 were ages 19 and younger. Knowing how to swim is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of drowning. If drowning has occurred and the victim is not breathing, bystander-initiated CPR is the most effective way to promote a positive outcome.
Parents or other adults should actively supervise children when they are playing or swimming in water. Swimmers should be aware of swimming hazards like rip currents and rough water. Observe any advisories and listen to lifeguards. Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. “Floaties,” arm bands or water wings are not safety devices.
Recreational waters can have germs that cause swimming-related illnesses. These illnesses can include diarrhea, skin rashes, pneumonia or flu-like illness, and irritation of the eyes or respiratory tract. To prevent illnesses when swimming, follow these tips:
• Don’t swallow the water when swimming. A mouthful of water with germs can make you sick for 2-3 weeks.
• Wash with soap and water before and after swimming. Wash your hands for 20 seconds before eating or preparing food.
• Cover any open wounds or cuts. Don’t swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds.
• Don’t swim or play in water if you or your child has been sick with diarrhea in the past two weeks. Diarrhea and swimming don’t mix!
• Use swim diapers on infants and toddlers. Check swim diapers regularly. Take kids on hourly bathroom breaks.
• Thoroughly dry ears after swimming to avoid swimmer’s ear.
• Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water or if the water is cloudier than usual. Some harmful algal blooms can be dangerous.
Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information on pool safety and open water and beach safety. Remember: swim safe, stay safe!