May 19, 2026
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Shares Summer Water Safety Tips
Healthy and Safe Swimming Week is May 18-24
WARRENTON, Va. — As summer gets ready to start, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District is urging families to make water safety part of every day. Drowning happens fast and quietly, and it remains a leading cause of death for young children. But with simple steps, most drownings can be prevented.
“Healthy and Safe Swimming Week is a great reminder that a fun day in the water should also be a safe one said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “We encourage families to practice water safety, supervise children closely, and take simple precautions to prevent drowning, injuries, and recreational water illnesses throughout the summer season.”
From 2020 to 2024, 473 Virginians died from drowning, and more than half of those deaths happened in natural waters like rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Drownings can happen anywhere and children are especially at risk. Last year, the Virginia Department of Health reported a six-year high of 12 pool drownings in children 0 to 5 years old.
Drowning Prevention Tips:
- Make sure kids and adults have basic swimming and water safety skills.
- Actively supervise children in or near water. Designate a responsible adult to be the water watcher and watch the kids in the water without distractions. It’s easy to get pulled away by conversation or a quick glance at a screen.
- Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy. If something happens, having a friend with you could save your life.
- Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets when needed.
- Know how to recognize and respond to a swimmer in distress and how to perform CPR.
- Don’t drink and swim. Alcohol slows your reactions and can make you make bad decisions. Stay out of the water if you’ve been drinking.
Drowning prevention is important but swimming can also lead to illness from germs in the water and injuries from slips, falls, or unsafe conditions.
Swimming Safety Tips
- Avoid getting water in your mouth. Never swallow water from an untreated water source or a pool.
- Wash hands frequently, including after swimming and before preparing and eating food.
- Avoid swimming in a pool if you can’t see the bottom. Cloudy water is a serious safety hazard.
- Avoid swimming in natural water if the water has a green film, foul odor, dead or dying fish, or is discolored.
- Avoid diving or jumping in creeks and ponds you don’t know. Hidden rocks and snags can injure you.
- Avoid swimming if you are ill, vomiting or have diarrhea.
- Check diapers often and take bathroom breaks every hour.
- Cover cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages. Bacteria, viruses and other organisms can infect wounds causing more serious illness.
- Avoid swimming in natural waters for three days after rain. Runoff can carry germs into the water.
- Never run near water. The area can be slippery.
- Shower before and after swimming.
- Watch for strong currents and riptides at the beach. Check your local Beach Map for water quality updates before you go.
Make water safety a habit. Take the safe swimming pledge and help protect your family and community.
For more safety tips, please visit swimhealthyva.com.
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