{"id":13431,"date":"2025-05-20T13:42:39","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T17:42:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=13431"},"modified":"2025-05-20T13:48:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T17:48:18","slug":"rappahannock-health-district-provides-tips-to-swim-safe-stay-safe-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-regional-news-releases\/rappahannock-health-district-provides-tips-to-swim-safe-stay-safe-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Rappahannock Health District Provides Tips to Swim Safe, Stay Safe this Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

May 20, 2025
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Jaleesa Turner, Jaleesa.turner1@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n

Rappahannock Health District Provides Tips to Swim Safe, Stay Safe this Summer<\/strong>
\n2025 Healthy & Safe Swim Week is May 19 to 25<\/em><\/p>\n

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. \u2013 The summer swimming season kicks off with Healthy & Safe Swimming Week<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile water can bring fun and connection, it also comes with risks,\u201d\u00a0 said Rappahannock Area Health Director Olugbenga Obasanjo, M.D. \u201cEven the most joyful moments near water can take an unexpected turn. We encourage families to take simple steps \u2014 like supervising children closely and using life jackets near open water \u2014 to help make every water activity a safe one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Healthy<\/p>\n

According to the CDC<\/a>, 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<\/a> 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<\/a> is the most effective way to promote a positive outcome.<\/p>\n

Swimming in lakes, rivers, and other natural waters can be fun, but it\u2019s important to stay safe and healthy. These waters can sometimes carry germs that cause\u00a0 swimming-related illnesses<\/a>, diarrhea<\/a>, skin rashes<\/a>, pneumonia or flu-like illness<\/a> and irritation of the eyes or respiratory tract<\/a>. To protect yourself and your family, avoid swimming after heavy rain, don\u2019t swallow the water, shower after swimming, and stay out of the water if you\u2019re sick. Adults should actively supervise<\/a> \u00a0children and wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets<\/a> near open water. \u201cFloaties,\u201d arm bands or water wings are not<\/u><\/strong> safety devices. Taking a few simple steps can help keep your time in the water safe and enjoyable:<\/p>\n