Tag: drowning

Central Shenandoah Health District Offers Tips to Make Residential Pools Safe, Prevent Drownings

July 25, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov. 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Offers Tips to Make Residential Pools Safe, Prevent Drownings
World Drowning Prevention Day is July 25

STAUNTON, Va. – On World Drowning Prevention Day , the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) reminds families that residential pools are the leading location for accidental pool drownings in children under 15 and encourages homeowners to ensure that their pools have proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of drowning or injury.

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 70% of pools or spas drowning in children under age 15 occurred in residential settings. That number grows to 85% for children 0-5 years old.

In Virginia, nine children under age five have accidentally drowned in pools in 2025, an increase from the last five years (three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022, eight in 2021 and four in 2020).

“These drownings sadden us and our community,” said Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Drowning is preventable; watching young children when in and near the water is essential for their safety.”

Central Shenandoah Health District offers the following tips to increase the safety of your residential pool:

  • Properly fence all pools at least four feet in height around the perimeter of the pool/spa.
  • Use a self-closing and self-latching gate.
  • Use anti-entrapment drain covers. Encourage swimmers to stay away from drains and other pool openings.
  • Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use and when adults are not present.
  • Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when not in use with adult supervision.
  • Install alarms on doors leading from the house to the pool area that will alert you when someone enters the pool area.
  • Empty and put away smaller portable pools after every use. Cover larger portable pools.
  • Make sure your neighbors, babysitters and visitors know about the pool’s presence in your yard.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. Drownings happen quickly and silently. In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days.

Central Shenandoah Health District reminds families to:

  • Always watch kids in and around the water – and designate a water watcher.
  • Teach children to swim – or sign them up for swim classes.
  • Know life-saving skills, including CPR for adults and children.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Swim safe. Stay safe!

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Offer Tips to Make Residential Pools Safe, Prevent Drownings

 July 25, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov   

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Offer Tips to Make Residential Pools Safe, Prevent Drownings
World Drowning Prevention Day is July 25 

 RICHMOND, Va. – For World Drowning Prevention Day, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) remind families that residential pools are the leading location for accidental pool drownings in children under 15. RHHD encourages homeowners to ensure that their pools have proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of drowning or injury.  

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 70% of pools or spas drownings in children under age 15 occurred in residential settings. That number grows to 85% for children 0-5 years old. 

In Virginia, nine children under age five have accidentally drowned in pools in 2025, an increase from the last five years (three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022, eight in 2021 and four in 2020).  

“World Drowning Prevention Day gives us the opportunity focus on the importance of keeping ourselves and our families safe while swimming in pools this summer,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “Residential pools provide a fun, active way to connect with friends and family. Safer pools and careful supervision of children can prevent accidental drownings.” 

RHHD offers the following tips to increase the safety of your residential pool: 

  • Properly fence all pools at least four feet in height around the perimeter of the pool/spa. 
  • Use a self-closing and self-latching gate.  
  • Use anti-entrapment drain covers. Encourage swimmers to stay away from drains and other pool openings. 
  • Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use and when adults are not present.  
  • Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when not in use with adult supervision. 
  • Install alarms on doors leading from the house to the pool area that will alert you when someone enters the pool area. 
  • Empty and put away smaller portable pools after every use. Cover larger portable pools. 
  • Make sure your neighbors, babysitters and visitors know about the pool’s presence in your yard. 

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. Drownings happen quickly and silently. In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days. 

RHHD reminds families to:  

  • Always watch kids in and around the water – and designate a water watcher.  
  • Teach children to swim – or sign them up for swim classes. 
  • Know life-saving skills, including CPR for adults and children. 

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Swim safe. Stay safe! 

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook, visit rhhd.gov, and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news. 

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New River Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips

July 2, 2025
Media Contact: Beverly Hill, Beverly.hill@vdh.virginia.gov

New River Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips
Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. –In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned over the last five years. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. Whether you are celebrating the holiday weekend at the pool, the beach, the river or the lake, the New River Health District offers tips to keep you healthy and safe while swimming.

Dr. Noelle Bissell, director of the New River Health District shares, “Anyone can drown, but no one should. We need to let go of distractions and maintain constant, active supervision of anyone in the water.”

Drowning often occurs quickly and silently. Unlike the movies, drowning doesn’t usually involve thrashing and shouting. The signs of drowning are more subtle and last only 20-60 seconds before the person goes under.

The New River Health District offers these tips:

  • Provide active supervision for all children in the water. A responsible adult should watch children closely when they are in or around water. Adults should not be distracted or engaged in other activities, even if lifeguards are present. For preschool-aged children, “touch supervision” is recommended, where the supervising adult is within arm’s reach of the child.
  • Learn to swim. Knowing how to swim can reduce the risk of drowning.
  • Learn CPR. Make sure we know what to do if someone needs help in the water.
  • Always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone.
  • Avoid swimming after dark. Signs of drowning are harder to see.
  • Watch for swimming hazards like rip currents and rough waters.
  • Observe any advisories and listen to lifeguards.
  • “Floaties,” arm bands, water wings are toys, not safety devices. When these toys are in use, the caregiver must still provide active supervision. Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Make sure pools have the proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of injury.

Stay vigilant this summer. Let’s make our pools and beaches safer for everyone! Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information.

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Share Drowning Prevention Tips

July 1st, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, taylor.ladieu@vdh.virginia.gov, (757) 594-7411

 

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts Share Drowning Prevention Tips
Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. –In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned over the last five years. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. Whether you are celebrating the holiday weekend at the pool, the beach, the river or the lake, Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (HPHD) offer drowning prevention tips to keep you healthy and safe while swimming.

“Virginia has seen a spike in child drowning deaths this summer,” says HPHD’s Health District Director, Dr. Natasha Dwamena. “These heartbreaking deaths are preventable, and there are precautions caregivers can take to protect their children from drowning. Caregivers should never leave children to swim unattended and should be cautious in and around bodies of water. It is also important that caregivers dress their children in bright colored swimsuits, such as neon pink, yellow, and orange, as that will be more noticeable in the event of drowning in water.”

Drowning often occurs quickly and silently. Unlike the movies, drowning doesn’t usually involve thrashing and shouting. The signs of drowning are more subtle and last only 20-60 seconds before the person goes under.

Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts offer these preventions tips:

  • Provide active supervision for all children in the water. A responsible adult should watch children closely when they are in or around water. Adults should not be distracted or engaged in other activities, even if lifeguards are present. For preschool-aged children, “touch supervision” is recommended, where the supervising adult is within arm’s reach of the child.
  • Learn to swim. Knowing how to swim can reduce the risk of drowning.
  • Learn CPR. Make sure we know what to do if someone needs help in the water.
  • Always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone.
  • Avoid swimming after dark. Signs of drowning are harder to see.
  • Watch for swimming hazards like rip currents and rough waters.
  • Observe any advisories and listen to lifeguards.
  • “Floaties,” arm bands, water wings are toys, not safety devices. When these toys are in use, the caregiver must still provide active supervision. Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Make sure pools have the proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of injury.

Stay vigilant this summer. Let’s make our pools and beaches safer for everyone! Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information.

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Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips

June 30, 2025
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips
Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

STAUNTON, Va. –In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned over the last five years. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. Whether you are celebrating the holiday weekend at the pool, the beach, the river or the lake, Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) offers drowning prevention tips to keep you healthy and safe while swimming.

“Beaches and pools are frequently associated with playful fun or casual relaxation, but they can pose a serious health risk – especially to young children,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, acting Health Director for CSHD. “Active supervision of children around water helps prevent childhood drownings. Supervising adults should avoid distracting activities, like being on a phone or reading a book.”

Drowning often occurs quickly and silently. Unlike the movies, drowning doesn’t usually involve thrashing and shouting. The signs of drowning are more subtle and last only 20-60 seconds before the person goes under.

Central Shenandoah Health District offers these prevention tips:

  • Provide active supervision for all children in the water. A responsible adult should watch children closely when they are in or around water. Adults should not be distracted or engaged in other activities, even if lifeguards are present. For preschool-aged children, “touch supervision” is recommended, where the supervising adult is within arm’s reach of the child.
  • Learn to swim. Knowing how to swim can reduce the risk of drowning.
  • Learn CPR. Make sure we know what to do if someone needs help in the water.
  • Always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone.
  • Avoid swimming after dark. Signs of drowning are harder to see.
  • Watch for swimming hazards like rip currents and rough waters.
  • Observe any advisories and listen to lifeguards.
  • “Floaties,” arm bands, water wings are toys, not safety devices. When these toys are in use, the caregiver must still provide active supervision. Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Make sure pools have the proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of injury.

Stay vigilant this summer. Let’s make our pools and beaches safer for everyone! Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information.

Blue Ridge Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips

June 30, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Blue Ridge Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips
Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. –In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned over the last five years. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. Whether you are celebrating the holiday weekend at the pool, the beach, the river or the lake, the Blue Ridge Health Department offers drowning prevention tips to keep you healthy and safe while swimming.

“I want to emphasize the serious issue of drowning. It is a leading cause of unintentional injury and death – especially among children – and can happen in an instant,” said Director for the Blue Ridge Health District Ryan McKay. “I urge everyone to take preventive measures: always supervise children around water, enroll them in swim lessons, and use life jackets. Secure home pools with barriers, teach children about water safety, and ensure you’re prepared with safety equipment and CPR training. By working together, we can create a safer community and prevent drowning tragedies.”

Drowning often occurs quickly and silently. Unlike the movies, drowning doesn’t usually involve thrashing and shouting. The signs of drowning are more subtle and last only 20-60 seconds before the person goes under the water.

Blue Ridge Health Department offers these preventions tips:

  • Provide active supervision for all children in the water. A responsible adult should watch children closely when they are in or around water. Adults should not be distracted or engaged in other activities, even if lifeguards are present. For preschool-aged children, “touch supervision” is recommended, where the supervising adult is within arm’s reach of the child.
  • Learn to swim. Knowing how to swim can reduce the risk of drowning.
  • Learn CPR. Make sure we know what to do if someone needs help in the water.
  • Always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone.
  • Avoid swimming after dark. Signs of drowning are harder to see.
  • Watch for swimming hazards like rip currents and rough waters.
  • Observe any advisories and listen to lifeguards.
  • “Floaties,” arm bands, water wings are toys, not safety devices. When these toys are in use, the caregiver must still provide active supervision. Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Make sure pools have the proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of injury.

Stay vigilant this summer. Let’s make our pools and beaches safer for everyone! Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information.

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RHHD Shares Drowning Prevention Tips

June 27, 2025
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

RHHD Shares Drowning Prevention Tips
Health Officials Urge Parents and Care Givers to Take Precautions

RICHMOND, Va. – In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned over the last five years. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death in children. Whether you are enjoying summer activities at the pool, the beach, the river or the lake, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) offers drowning prevention tips to keep you healthy and safe while swimming.

“Following drowning prevention tips can help keep you and your family safe while swimming, boating, and enjoying other water activities this summer,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director Elaine Perry, M.D. Unlike what we see in movies and television, drowning often occurs quickly and silently and

doesn’t usually involve thrashing and shouting. The signs of drowning are more subtle. A person may only struggle to stay above water for 20-60 seconds before going under.”

RHHD offers these drowning preventions tips:

  • Active Supervision: Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa, bathtub, toilet, or standing body of water. When supervising children who are near the water, adults should be free from distractions.
  • Swim Lessons: Teach children basic swimming and water safety Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Children, even those who’ve had swimming lessons, still need close and constant supervision in or around water.
  • Learn CPR: Bystander-initiated CPR can make the difference in someone’s life while waiting for

paramedics to arrive.

  • Approved Safety Devices: Floaties, water wings, pool noodles and inner tubes are toys. These air- filled or foam toys are not designed to keep swimmers Only use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Barriers and Alarms: Install barriers and alarms to prevent children from gaining access to a pool or open water unsupervised.
  • Avoid Swimming After Dark: Swimming after dark makes it hard to see if someone is
  • Listen to the Lifeguard: Make sure to listen to any directions from the lifeguard and follow all advisories. But remember a lifeguard does not replace the need for active supervision of any children in and around the water.

Stay vigilant this summer. Let’s make our pools and beaches safer for everyone! Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information.

For more health and safety information, follow RHHD on Instagram at @richmondcity_hd and on Facebook,

visit rhhd.gov, and sign up for RHHD’s monthly newsletter at rhhd.gov/news.

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VDH in the News, June 27, 2025

Posted on by brianlittle

VDH in the News – June 27, 2025

Here are some of the items in today’s news scan. Stories include drowning, water safety, heat-related illness, measles, restaurant inspection, food safety, COVID, PFAS, fluoride, harmful algal bloom, and more. Some of the articles may contain specific references to VDH, while others describe issues that may be of interest or concern to VDH. To view a complete article, click the underlined link. If you have any questions or comments, let me know.

 

Six children under age of 5 drowned in Virginia pools in just one month: VDH
WRIC ABC 8
June 26, 2025
By Clare Gehlich

Virginia has seen a noticeable rise in drownings in children under 5 years old in swimming pools, with six children dying since Memorial Day, according to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). … “We join with the families and communities grieving the loss of these young lives,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “These numbers are heartbreaking. Swimming and playing in pools can be fun, particularly on blistering hot days, but pools can also be dangerous. Families should take caution in and around pools. Children in pools should be supervised at all times, and pools should be gated and secured to prevent access when supervision is not available. Please consider enrolling children in swimming lessons. We want to do everything we can to prevent any more lives lost.”

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Sheriff’s office investigating drowning at Swift Run Campground

6 children under 5 drown in Virginia pools since Memorial Day, highest number in years

Virginia faces alarming rise in drowning fatalities among children under five

 

Record heat fuels surge in heat-related illnesses across Virginia
WRIC ABC 8
June 26, 2025
By Sahara Sriraman

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is reporting an alarming rise in heat-related emergency room visits as scorching temperatures grip the Commonwealth, and experts warn the worst may be yet to come. … “Before you get thirsty, you need to drink a lot of water,” said Meredith Davis, an epidemiologist with VDH. “Try not to do the caffeinated beverages so much and really be checking on each other — the people you work with, especially if you work outdoors.”

 

Note: There was an additional item on this topic in today’s news.
VDH: Heat-related illnesses surge across Virginia

Virginia reports record heat-related illnesses as temperatures soar across the Commonwealth

Park expert shares tips on avoiding heat illnesses while outside on a hike

 

Another possible measles exposure investigated in Northern Virginia
WTOP
June 26, 2025
By Will Vitka

Another potential measles exposure is being investigated in Northern Virginia after someone with a confirmed case of the virus traveled through Dulles International Airport last week. According to the Virginia Department of Health, the person went through Dulles’ Concourse A and the baggage area between 7:45 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on June 19. … “If you were at these locations at the same time as this case, it’s important to make sure that you’re protected against measles, and so that would mean verifying your vaccination history, or that you have other proof of measles immunity,” Meredith Robinson, Vaccine Preventable Disease Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Health told WTOP’s Linh Bui.

 

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Alexandria Health Department warns of another potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia

VDH investigates another measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Latest VA Measles Exposure Confirmed At Dulles Airport

Health department investigates another measles exposure in Northern Virginia

Virginia health officials warn of potential measles exposure at Washington Dulles Airport

Another potential measles exposure at Dulles

Dulles Airport Measles Case Prompts Public Health Warning In Virginia

Heatwave alert as Virginia, other states, experience extreme temperatures

Measles cases confirmed in Washington, Virginia

 

Virginia seeing record-breaking number of heat-related illness ER visits
WAVY 10
June 26, 2025

Heat-related illnesses are sprouting up across the Commonwealth, causing an alarming amount of people to seek medical attention as stifling temperatures persists. In fact, within the last decade, these types of visits have occurred more than any other June. That’s according to the Virginia Department of Health, which has been tracking these visits since 2015. … 10 On Your Side spoke with Dr. Nancy Welch, Chesapeake Health Department health director, who said there has been about a 60% increase in heat-related visits to the emergency room statewide. “What people need to understand is you don’t want to wait until you experience symptoms,” she said. “There are preventive things you can do, and it’s not just drinking water. The key is having adequate fluids, along with electrolytes. It balances and keeps that flow of the liquid in the tissue and in the blood system — and I say fluids, not just water. And that’s why they need the electrolytes plus the water.

 

Why it’s more difficult to open a restaurant in Richmond than the counties
Richmond Times Dispatch
June 26, 2025
By Meredith Lindemon

Time was running out. The money was pretty much gone. Carlos Ordaz-Nuñez was watching his dream go up in smoke because of a plate glass window. … When asked specifically about communications, Cindy McKelvy, senior environmental health manager for Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, said, “I can’t really speak to how operators interact with city agencies because we are separate from the city. We do, as the Health Department, have good working relationships with our city partners and we can communicate pretty quickly and easily between us and them if we have an issue, or if someone needs help. Then we can point them in the direction of where they need to go as far as the city agencies that need to be involved.”

 

VDH: How to cook and store food properly to avoid getting sick
WHSV 3
June 26, 2025
By Olivia Whitehouse

With students on summer break and the Fourth of July coming up, more families will be holding cookouts. … Kelsey Holloman, foodborne disease epidemiology program manager with the Virginia Department of Health, said that while it is not always possible to determine if food is contaminated, it is essential to use a food thermometer. Holloman said poultry products should be cooked to 165 degrees, while egg products and ground meat should be cooked to 160 degrees. “Fish, pork, beef and other red meat should be cooked to 145 degrees,” Holloman said.

 

COVID variant shown to give ‘severe sore throat’; local experts weigh in
WHSV 3
June 26, 2025
By Amir Massenburg

There’s a new COVID variant being shown to give a severe sore throat. … The Virginia Department of Health says there haven’t been any cases of it reported here in the Commonwealth. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not here. … “I think at this point, there’s so many variants and they’re getting so muddled that it’s getting harder and harder to tell. But I do know that it is affecting other countries a little bit harder right now. It’s kind of started there and it looks like it’s moving this way,” said Lisa Sollot, Respiratory Disease Program Coordinator for the Division of Surveillance and Investigation with the Virginia Department of Health.

 

‘Forever chemicals’ mar pristine reputation of Virginia’s Chickahominy River
Bay Journal
June 26, 2025
By Whitney Pipkin

The Chickahominy River in Virginia is known for its physical beauty, with bald cypress trees and lily pads decorating the water that meanders through largely undeveloped acres of forests and wetlands. But the river’s appearance tells only part of the story. In May, the Virginia Department of Health issued its first fish consumption advisory for the presence of harmful chemicals in the Chickahominy River, which is a James River tributary, and the White Oak Swamp where its waters originate.

 

Luray discontinues additional fluoride in drinking water system
Rocktown Now
June 26, 2025
By Jacquelynn Dobrin

Luray town staff and town council have elected to discontinue the addition of fluoride to its drinking water. In a release, town officials said they will stop adding fluoride in early September due to the Virginia Department of Health requirement of a 90-day notice.

Note: There were additional items on this topic in today’s news.
Luray will stop adding fluoride to drinking water

 

Fairfax County Park Authority Updates Residents on Burke Lake
Northern Virginia Magazine
June 26, 2025
By Debbie Williams

Fairfax County Park Authority has issued an update on the status of Burke Lake. … The Virginia Department of Health says most algae are not harmful. However, the agency cautions that “some types of algae in Virginia can be dangerous. Algae species in fresh and salt water may multiply rapidly when environmental conditions are favorable for their development. The great number of algal cells in the water results in what is called an algal bloom.”

 

Virginia Sees Increase in Drownings in Children Under 5 in Swimming Pools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 26, 2025
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Sees Increase in Drownings in Children Under 5 in Swimming Pools
Health Officials Urge Parents and Caregivers to Take Precautions

RICHMOND, Va. – With great sorrow, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that six children under the age of five have tragically lost their lives to swimming pool drownings in Virginia since Memorial Day. Swimming season has just started, and these six drowning fatalities exceed Virginia’s total for the number of fatalities for young children for each of the last three years. The Virginia Department of Health urges parents and caregivers to take precautions with children in or near swimming pools or other bodies of water.

“We join with the families and communities grieving the loss of these young lives,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “These numbers are heartbreaking. Swimming and playing in pools can be fun, particularly on blistering hot days, but pools can also be dangerous. Families should take caution in and around pools. Children in pools should be supervised at all times, and pools should be gated and secured to prevent access when supervision is not available. Please consider enrolling children in swimming lessons. We want to do everything we can to prevent any more lives lost.”

In the last three years, Virginia had a total of nine pool drownings in children under five years old – three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four. But drownings aren’t limited to small children. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 500 people accidentally drowned in Virginia. Nearly a fifth of them were under the age of 19.

Drownings happen quickly and quietly. Parents and caregivers can take the following precautions to help keep children safe in and around pools:

  • Active Supervision: Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa, bathtub, toilet, or standing body of water. When supervising children who are near the water, adults should be free from distractions.
  • Swim Lessons: Teach children basic swimming and water safety skills. Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Children, even those who’ve had swimming lessons, still need close and constant supervision in or around water.
  • Learn CPR: Bystander-initiated CPR can make the difference in someone’s life while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
  • Approved Safety Devices: Floaties, water wings, pool noodles and inner tubes are toys. These air-filled or foam toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe. Only use S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Barriers and Alarms: Install barriers and alarms to prevent children from gaining access to a pool or open water unsupervised.
  • Avoid Swimming After Dark: Swimming after dark makes it hard to see if someone is drowning.
  • Listen to the Lifeguard: Make sure to listen to any directions from the lifeguard and follow all advisories. But remember a lifeguard does not replace the need for active supervision of any children in and around the water.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information. Remember: swim safe, stay safe!

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