{"id":13884,"date":"2025-07-02T10:13:46","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T14:13:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=13884"},"modified":"2025-07-02T10:13:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T14:13:46","slug":"norfolk-health-district-shares-drowning-prevention-tips","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-news-releases\/norfolk-health-district-shares-drowning-prevention-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Norfolk Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

July 2, 2025
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Kathy Lamm, Kathy.Lamm@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a>
\n(757) 236-0529<\/p>\n

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Norfolk Health District Shares Drowning Prevention Tips<\/strong>
\nCelebrate the Fourth of July Safely<\/em><\/p>\n

NORFOLK, Va. \u2013In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned over the last five years. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death<\/a> in children. Whether you are celebrating the holiday weekend at the pool, the beach, the river or the lake, Norfolk Health Department offers drowning prevention tips to keep you healthy and safe while swimming.<\/p>\n

“As we head to the beaches, pools, kayaks, tubes and boats, remember that it takes less than a minute for a child in water to drown,” says Dr. Susan Girois, Health Director for the Norfolk Health District<\/strong>. “Nearly 500 children and adults have drowned in Virginia over the past five years, and each one was a preventable tragedy. Together we can reverse this trend here in Hampton Roads. Stay alert when you are around any kids near water, learn CPR and make swimming lessons a priority for your loved ones.”<\/p>\n

Drowning often occurs quickly and silently. Unlike the movies, drowning doesn\u2019t usually involve thrashing and shouting. The signs of drowning<\/a> are more subtle and last only 20-60 seconds before the person goes under.<\/p>\n

Norfolk Health Department offers these preventions tips:<\/p>\n