July 24, 2025
Media Contact: Brenden Rivenbark, Brenden.rivenbark@vdh.virginia.gov
Three Rivers Health District Encourages Safe Swimming Practices
Public Advised to Practice Safe Swimming in Pools and Natural Bodies of Water
SALUDA, Va. – The Three Rivers Health District is advising the public to remain vigilant when enjoying the summer months cooling off in pools or natural bodies of water and is urging parents and caregivers to take the Pool Safely Pledge (en Español) as the Commonwealth continues to see a concerning rise in accidental drownings among children under the age of five in swimming pools. Pool Safely is a national public education campaign led by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to help prevent child drownings and entrapments in pools and spas.
The pledge – available for both adults and children – takes less than a minute and reinforces simple, life- saving safety practices.
The adult pledge includes commitment to:
- Designate a water watcher every single time children in their care are in or near the water.
- Make sure their kids know how to swim.
- Learn CPR.
- Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use.
- Ensure all permanent pools have a proper fence and gate and anti-entrapment drain covers.
The children’s pledge includes reminders to:
- Never swim alone.
- As their parents to sign them up for swimming lessons.
- Stay away from drains in the pool or hot tub.
- Have fun and always follow these safety steps in and around the water.
Additionally, it is important to practice safe swimming habits in natural bodies of water. Harmful bacteria thrive in waters that are warm and can be more infectious during the summer months. In addition to the above recommendations, the Three Rivers Health District advises that the public doesn’t swim in salt or brackish water if you have an open wound and that water shoes can help protect you from sharp rocks, barnacles, crabs, and other hazards while in and around the water. Learn more healthy swimming tips with Swim Healthy VA
Visit www.SwimHealthyVa.com for ways to stay safe while recreating in natural waterbodies.
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