Tag: swimming

Rappahannock Area Health District Offers Tips to Make Residential Pools Safe, Prevent Drownings

July 24, 2025
Media Contact: Erin Perkins, erin.perkins@vdh.virginia.gov

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

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – As World Drowning Prevention Day approaches, the Rappahannock Area Health District (RAHD) 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 pool or spa drownings in children under 15 happen at home. That number grows to 85% for children 0-5 years old.

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

“While it is important to relax and recharge, we must stay alert during high-risk activities like swimming,” said RAHD Health Director Olugbenga Obasanjo, MD. “This is especially important when watching young children or others who may not see danger or keep themselves safe.”

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

  • Install or maintain a fence at least four feet tall around the entire pool/spa.
  • Use a self-closing and self-latching
  • Use anti-entrapment drain 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
  • Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children to the pool when not in use with adult
  • 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 Cover larger portable pools.
  • Make sure your neighbors, babysitters and visitors know about the pool’s presence in your

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.

RAHD reminds families to:

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

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

# # #

Virginia Department of Health Encourages Families to Take the Pool Safely Pledge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 17, 2025
Media Contact:  Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Encourages Families to Take the Pool Safely Pledge
Commonwealth Continues to See an Increase in Small Children Drownings in Pools

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) 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:

The children’s pledge includes reminders to:

  • Never swim alone.
  • Ask 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.

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

“The tragic rise in drowning deaths of young children demands that we all become extra vigilant about pool safety,” said VDH Chief Deputy Commissioner for Community Health Services Susan Fischer Davis, MD. “Have fun at the pool – but always be alert to risks, especially with young children.”

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. From 2022 through 2024, an estimated average of 6,300 children under age 15 years were treated annually in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) for nonfatal drowning-related injuries. Seventy-three percent of those children were under age five.

In Virginia, on average, one person drowns every four days. Drownings happen quickly – often silently. Take action now. Take the Pool Safely Pledge today and commit to protecting your family this summer.

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

# # #

Swimming Advisory Issued for Hilton Beach and Huntington Beach in Newport News, Virginia

July 16, 2025
Media Contact: Tes La Dieu, Public Information Officer, taylor.ladieu@vdh.virginia.gov
757-594-7411, Mary Wainwright, Environmental Health Manager, 757-253-4286

Swimming Advisory Issued for Hilton Beach and Huntington Beach in Newport News, Virginia

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. The Hampton and Peninsula Health Districts has issued a swimming advisory for Hilton and Huntington Beaches in the City of Newport News, Virginia. Samples collected on July 15, 2025, by the Peninsula Health District showed that bacteria levels in the water exceeded the state water quality standard.

Recreational waters are monitored for bacteria routinely during the summer swimming season, using indicator organisms such as enterococci, the indicator of choice for estuarine and marine waters.

Signs are posted at the beaches alerting the public of the advisory. The signs read: “Warning swimmers – bacteria levels do not meet state water quality standards, swimming not advised until further notice”.

Health officials collected additional samples on Wednesday.  The results should be available on Thursday.

Officials will remove the signs and notify the public when the bacteria levels decrease and meet the state water quality standards.

Enterococci is a group of organisms used to determine the extent of fecal contamination of recreational waters. While these organisms do not cause illness, scientific studies indicate that their presence is closely correlated to the presence of other disease-causing organisms. People swimming or playing in waters with bacteria levels higher than the standard have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal illness.

We are advising the public to avoid activities in the advisory area that will result in prolonged contact such as swimming or stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing) and prevent pets from swimming. Activities that result in limited contact such wading in the water to launch a boat, kayaking, canoeing, may continue with proper caution.

“We encourage the public to protect their health by complying with this advisory,” said Mary Wainwright, Environmental Health Manager of the Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts.

“Typically, an advisory of this nature is temporary and will be withdrawn once the bacteria levels have returned to a safe level.”

# # #

 

 

 

 

Crater Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips

July 3, 2025
Media Contact: Tara Rose, Tara.Rose@vdh.virginia.gov

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

PETERSBURG, 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 Crater Health District (CHD) offers drowning prevention tips to keep you healthy and safe while swimming.

“Drowning can happen in seconds and prevention requires proper supervision and awareness. It is essential to learn basic swimming and CPR rescue skills, and ensure that no one is left unattended near water, especially young children,” said Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, Crater Health District Director. “Making water safety a priority can help save lives and prevent 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.

Crater 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.

# # #

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.

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.

# # #

Rappahannock Health District Provides Tips to Swim Safe, Stay Safe this Summer

May 20, 2025
Media Contact: Jaleesa Turner, Jaleesa.turner1@vdh.virginia.gov

Rappahannock Health District Provides Tips to Swim Safe, Stay Safe this Summer
2025 Healthy & Safe Swim Week is May 19 to 25

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The summer swimming season kicks off with Healthy & Safe Swimming Week, May 19 to 25. The Rappahannock Health Department 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.

“While water can bring fun and connection, it also comes with risks,”  said Rappahannock Area Health Director Olugbenga Obasanjo, M.D. “Even the most joyful moments near water can take an unexpected turn. We encourage families to take simple steps — like supervising children closely and using life jackets near open water — to help make every water activity a safe one.”

Healthy Safe Swim Week May 19-25, 2025

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.

Swimming in lakes, rivers, and other natural waters can be fun, but it’s important to stay safe and healthy. These waters can sometimes carry germs that cause  swimming-related illnesses, diarrhea, skin rashes, pneumonia or flu-like illness and irritation of the eyes or respiratory tract. To protect yourself and your family, avoid swimming after heavy rain, don’t swallow the water, shower after swimming, and stay out of the water if you’re sick. Adults should actively supervise  children and wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets near open water. “Floaties,” arm bands or water wings are not safety devices. Taking a few simple steps can help keep your time in the water safe and enjoyable:

  • 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!

# # #

Chesterfield Health District Provides Tips to Swim Safe, Stay Safe this Summer

May 19, 2025

Media Contact: Kristy Fowler
Kristy.Fowler@vdh.virginia.gov

Chesterfield Health District Provides Tips to Swim Safe, Stay Safe this Summer
2025 Healthy & Safe Swim Week is May 19 to 25

 Chesterfield, Va. – 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!

# # #

Virginia Department of Health Advises Virginians to Avoid Natural Water Bodies After Tropical Cyclone Helene

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 30, 2024
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, VDH, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Department of Health Advises Virginians to Avoid Natural Water Bodies After Tropical Cyclone Helene

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health advises the public to avoid natural water bodies across the commonwealth after Tropical Cyclone Helene. During heavy rainfall and flooding, pollution and debris from the land washes into rivers, lakes and streams and eventually winds up in our coastal waterways. Pet, livestock and wildlife wastes, and untreated wastewater from sewage treatment plants that are overloaded by an excess of rainwater can all end up in natural waters used for recreation and pose risks to human health.

To stay safe all Virginians should:

  • Avoid contact swimming in natural waterways for three days following rain events. Heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with, including germs from overflowing sewage, polluted storm water, and runoff from land.
  • Never swallow untreated water and don’t swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds.
  • Wash hands frequently, including after swimming and before preparing and eating food.
  • Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants.
  • Check the water and the area around it before swimming. Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water or if the water is cloudier than usual. Avoid swimming near storm drains or livestock.
  • Avoid swimming if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
  • Avoid any area where there is water with a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
  • If taking fish caught from natural waters, remove the skin from filets and dispose of viscera and internal organs. Cook filets to proper temperature and clean knives and cutting boards with soapy water. Follow posted fish consumption advisories.
  • Check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water if your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines.

For additional questions, contact VDH’s Call Center at 877-829-4682 (Option 2), The VDH Call Center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information on recreational water safety, visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

 #  #  #

PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA – 30 de septiembre de 2024
Persona de contacto con los medios de comunicación: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

El Departamento de Salud de Virginia aconseja a los habitantes de Virginia que eviten los cuerpos de agua naturales tras el ciclón tropical Helene.

RICHMOND, Virginia – El Departamento de Salud de Virginia aconseja al público que evite los cuerpos de agua naturales en todo el estado después del ciclón tropical Helene. Durante las lluvias torrenciales y las inundaciones, la contaminación y los desechos llegan a los ríos, lagos y arroyos y acaban desembocando en nuestras aguas costeras. Los desechos de animales domésticos, ganado y fauna silvestre, así como las aguas residuales sin tratar procedentes de depuradoras sobrecargadas por el exceso de agua de lluvia, pueden acabar en cuerpos de agua naturales donde se practican actividades de recreo y suponer un riesgo para la salud de las personas.

Para evitar riesgos para la salud al entrar en contacto con cualquier cuerpo de agua natural (ríos, lagos, arroyos) en Virginia, se recomienda:

  • Evitar el baño en cuerpos de aguas naturales tres días después de que haya llovido. Las lluvias torrenciales arrastran todo a su paso, incluidos los gérmenes de las aguas residuales desbordadas, las aguas pluviales contaminadas y la basura de la tierra.
  • No tragar nunca agua no tratada y no bañarse si se tienen cortes o heridas abiertas en la piel.
  • Lavarse las manos con frecuencia, incluso después de nadar y antes de preparar y comer alimentos.
  • Ducharse o bañarse después de nadar para eliminar posibles gérmenes y productos contaminantes.
  • Antes de bañarse, revise el agua y la zona alrededor de la misma. Evitar entrar en el agua si observa una capa verde o si el agua está más turbia de lo habitual. Evitar bañarse cerca de los desagües pluviales (tuberías que drenan el agua contaminada de las calles) y de las zonas donde hay ganado.
  • Evitar entrar en el agua si tiene vómitos o diarrea.
  • Evitar cualquier zona donde haya agua con olor fétido o químico, peces muertos o moribundos, o agua descolorida.
  • Si consume pescado procedente de aguas naturales, retire la piel de los filetes y deseche las vísceras y los órganos internos. Cocine los filetes a una temperatura adecuada y limpie los cuchillos y las tablas de cortar con agua y jabón. Siga las recomendaciones sobre el consumo de pescado.
  • Consultar a su médico antes de bañarse en océanos, lagos, ríos y otros cuerpos de agua naturales si la capacidad de su organismo para luchar contra los gérmenes ya está afectada por otros problemas de salud o por el uso medicamentos.

Si tiene alguna pregunta adicional, póngase en contacto con el centro de atención telefónica de VDH llamando al 877-829-4682 (opción 2), disponible de lunes a viernes (excepto festivos) de 8 de la mañana a 5 de la tarde.  Para más información sobre la seguridad en las aguas de recreo, visite www.SwimHealthyVA.com.

#  #  #

Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory Issued for Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties, VA

June 6, 2023
Media Contact: Linda Scarborough, Linda.Scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov

Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory Issued for Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties, VA

Public Advised to Avoid Water Contact in Affected Areas

(Roanoke, Va.) – The Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake in Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania counties are experiencing a harmful algal bloom (HAB). The public is advised to avoid contact with the water until algal concentrations return to acceptable levels. The reported blooms have produced blue/green discoloration and algal scums that should be avoided. Some harmful algae, called cyanobacteria, can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The area to avoid can be seen on an interactive Harmful Algal Bloom map.​ A status report containing the advisory area may be viewed at Smith Mountain Lake – Blackwater River HAB Status Report June 6, 2023.​

Sample results from collections on June 1 indicated a swimming advisory is necessary due to unsafe levels of cyanobacteria, which have the potential to produce multiple toxins. Toxin results at these sites are pending but will not change the advisory. People and pets are advised to avoid swimming, windsurfing and stand-up-paddle-boarding, as well as other activities that pose a risk of ingesting water in this area. Activities such as boating may continue with proper precaution in the advisory area. Follow-up samples indicating algae and toxins are below levels of concern are necessary to lift the advisory – dates of next sampling are to be determined.

​​​​​The areas within the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake where samples were collected:


Blackwater River

  • Unnamed Creek cove; Blackwater River at Kemp Ford Road
  • Blackwater River cove at Virginia Key Trail
  • Blackwater River cove near Anthony Ford Landing

Algal blooms can occur when warm water and nutrients combine to make conditions favorable for algal growth. Most algal species are harmless. However, some species may produce irritating compounds or toxins. Avoid discolored water or scums that are green or bluish-green because they are more likely to contain toxins.
To prevent illness, people should:

  • Avoid contact with any area of the lake where scums are present or water is green or blue-green or an advisory sign is posted,
    WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT!
  • Not allow children or pets to drink from natural bodies of water.
  • Keep children and pets out of the areas experiencing a harmful algal bloom and quickly wash them off with plenty of fresh, clean water after contact with algal scum or bloom water.
  • Seek medical/veterinarian care if you or your animals experience symptoms after swimming in or near an algal bloom.
  • Properly clean fish by removing skin and discarding all internal organs and cook fish to the proper temperature to ensure fish fillets are safe to eat.
  • Contact the Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline at 1-888-238-6154 if you suspect you experienced health-related effects following exposure to a bloom.
  • Visit SwimHealthyVA.com to learn more about harmful algal blooms or to report an algal bloom or fish kill.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Harmful Algal Bloom Task Force, which includes the VDH, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Old Dominion University Phytoplankton Laboratory, will continue to monitor water quality in the lake. In general, advisories will be lifted following two consecutive test results (a minimum of 10-days apart) with acceptable levels for algal cell counts and/or toxin concentration. An advisory may be lifted or maintained at the discretion of the health department. For example, after one test an advisory may be lifted if results are within safe levels for swimming if other information indicates exposure or human health risk is low. The Harmful Algal Bloom map is updated to reflect the HAB advisory status of the Blackwater River arm of Smith Mountain Lake. The recent advisory extent is summarized in the Smith Mountain Lake – Blackwater River HAB Status Report June 6, 2023. For more information visit www.SwimHealthyVA.com.