Tag: swimming

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Share Summer Water Safety Tips

May 21, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Share Summer Water Safety Tips
Healthy and Safe Swimming Week is May 18-24

RICHMOND, Va. — As summer gets ready to start, Richmond and Henrico Health Districts urge families to make water safety part of every day. Drowning happens quickly and quietly, and it remains a leading cause of death for young children. With simple steps, most drownings can be prevented.

“Healthy and Safe Swimming Week gives us the opportunity to focus on keeping ourselves and our families safe around water, whether we are enjoying time at a pool, lake, river, or ocean,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Director Elaine Perry, M.D. “This summer, let’s build our safety skills, increase our awareness, and stop drownings before they start.”

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.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Summer Water Safety Tips

May 19, 2026
Media Contact: Rachel Dumene, Rachel.dumene1@vdh.virginia.gov, 540-480-4998

Central Shenandoah Health District Shares Summer Water Safety Tips
Healthy and Safe Swimming Week is May 18-24

STAUNTON, Va. — As summer gets ready to start, the Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) 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.

“Prevention is vital when it comes to water safety,” says Xavier Crockett, Health Director at CSHD. “Proper safety, supervision, and knowing how to swim are key components to staying safe in the water.”

From 2020 to 2024, 473 Virginians died from drowning. 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.

Many Virginians visit the beach for vacation in the summertime. The ocean, while fun and relaxing, can also be dangerous and unpredictable due to open water, waves, and changing currents. Swimmers should take extra precautions when swimming in the ocean.

Ocean Swimming Safety Tips

  • Swim at a lifeguarded beach. A lifeguarded beach significantly decreases the risk of drowning.
  • Know how to identify and escape a rip current. A rip current is a fast-moving channel of water that flows away from the beach and towards the ocean. Swimmers should remain calm, float, and either swim parallel to the shore or wave to a lifeguard for help. Talk to a lifeguard about where the rip currents are on your beach before entering the water.
  • Listen to regulations. If the beach is closed due to water safety, the guidelines are in place to keep people safe.
  • Check your local Beach Map for water quality updates before you go.
  • Know your limits. Knowing your skill level in open water will help you decide if you should swim or not.
  • If someone in the ocean needs help, call 9-1-1.

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.

The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Shares Summer Water Safety Tips

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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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!

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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!

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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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!

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