Whether you are visiting the pool, the beach, the river or the lake, Loudoun County officials encourage residents to take steps that help prevent drowning, which is a leading cause of death in children. In Virginia, nearly 500 people have accidentally drowned over the last five years.
“We want everyone to enjoy the summer and what better way to beat the heat than cooling off with a dip in the water,” said Loudoun County Health Department Director Dr. David Goodfriend. “However, it is important that parents and children alike know how to swim safely, whether it’s at a county or community pool that has lifeguards on duty, a private pool or hot tub where restricting access is necessary, or a natural body of water with hidden dangers. Appropriately permitted and maintained pools with lifeguards on duty are the safest swimming option.”
Drowning often occurs quickly and silently. Unlike the movies, drowning doesn’t usually involve thrashing and shouting and can occur in just a few inches of water. The signs of drowning are more subtle and last only 20-60 seconds before the person goes under.
Health officials offer these preventions tips:
- Always know your location and have a way to call 911.
- Always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone.
- Avoid consuming drugs, alcohol and any substances that can impact alertness, judgment, coordination and reaction time.
- Avoid swimming after dark. Signs of drowning are harder to see.
- If you own a pool, make sure your pool has the proper safety features in place to help reduce the risk of injury.
- Learn to swim. Knowing how to swim can reduce the risk of drowning. Make sure you know what to do if someone needs help in the water.
- Observe any advisories and listen to lifeguards.
- 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.
- Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. “Floaties,” arm bands, and water wings are toys, not safety devices. When these toys are in use, the caregiver must still provide active supervision.
- When swimming in natural waterways, such as rivers, lakes and oceans, it is important to be aware of swimming hazards, such as underwater debris, rip currents and rough waters.
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