Last Updated: June 27, 2025
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 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 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 drowning.
- 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.