Water Safety Toolkit

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Dive into safety this Healthy and Safe Swimming Week! Join us in raising awareness about drowning prevention and water safety. Learn these essential tips and many more at https://SwimHealthyVA.com #HSSW #SwimHealthyVA

Did you know? VDH monitors the water quality of public beaches along the coast of Virginia! Beach monitoring takes place between May and September on a weekly basis. Follow VDH Beach on X to receive monitoring alerts: https://twitter.com/vdhbeach #SwimHealthyVA
Don’t swallow the water you swim in! 1 mouthful of water with germs can make you sick for 2-3 weeks. https://SwimHealthyVA.com #SwimHealthyVA
Germs in the places we swim can cause skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic, and wound infections. Learn more at SwimHealthyVA.com

Drowning is a leading cause of death among Virginia’s children 1 to 4 years old. Always supervise children when they are around water. #SwimHealthyVA
From 2016-2020, 32% of drowning-related hospitalizations in Virginia were children aged 0-4 years. Always supervise children when they are around water. #SwimHealthyVA
Almost 1 out of 2 (48%) hospitalizations among Virginia children aged 0-4 years from 2016-2020 were due to drowning in swimming pools. Always supervise children when they are around water. #SwimHealthyVA
Every four days, one Virginia resident dies by drowning. Wearing a US Coast Guard approved flotation device while swimming could save your life. #SwimHealthyVA
On average from 2016-2020 in Virginia, about one out of 10 deaths by drowning were swimming pool-related. #SwimHealthyVA
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. #SwimHealthyVA
Never swim alone. If an accident happens, having a friend with you could save your life. #SwimHealthyVA

Are you taking your young ones to the splash pad? Check diapers & take bathroom breaks every hour at splash pads. When pee and poop mix with the water, they use up the chlorine needed to kill germs. #SwimHealthyVA
Splash pad jets can rinse germs found in poop off of bottoms. Prevent this by not allowing you children to sit or stand on jets. And make sure they don't swallow splash pad water! Learn more about splash pad safety at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/environmental-health-services/swim-healthy/splash-pad-safety/ #SwimHealthyVA

Don’t let kids run near the #SwimmingPool. The ground can be slippery, and falling on concrete can cause serious injury 🤕. And this goes for teens and adults too 👀 #SwimHealthyVA
Make sure you properly maintain pools and spas to control the growth of Legionella bacteria. This bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Learn more: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/legionellosis/ #SwimHealthyVA
Hot tub rash is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Prevent hot tub rash by:
🚿 Showering before & after hot tub use
🩳 Wash your swimsuit after use
💧 Check your water's pH & chlorine levels
Learn more about hot tub rash at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/environmental-health-services/swim-healthy/hot-tub-rash/ #SwimHealthyVA
Help prevent germs from getting in pool water. If you have kids, take them on bathroom breaks and check swim diapers every hour. #SwimHealthyVA

Headed to the lake or beach? Watch out for #HarmfulAlgalBlooms (HABs). If the water has ANY of the following feats, #swimming is NOT advised for humans or pets.
🤨 Discolored
😣 Murky
😖 Has an odor
🤢 Has a film on the water surface
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/waterborne-hazards-control/harmful-algal-blooms/ #SwimHealthyVA
If the water level is up, don't swim! Rainwater can cause sewer overflows and wash animal waste in the river 🤢. Stay out for a few days and monitor the water for signs of trouble. https://SwimHealthyVA.com #SwimHealthyVA
Visiting a creek or pond you don't know? Don't dive or jump! Hidden rocks and snags can injure you. Make sure you know the waters you swim in and never swim alone! #SwimHealthyVA
Dead animals near water are a sign of possible #HarmfulAlgalBlooms (HABs). Don’t swim where you see them! Learn more about HABs at https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/waterborne-hazards-control/harmful-algal-blooms/ #SwimHealthyVA
Be especially careful when swimming with children in natural waters. Murky water and unexpected drop-offs can increase the risk of drowning. #SwimHealthyVA
Watch out for riptides and strong currents at the beach, especially after stormy weather. #SwimHealthyVA
Don’t swim in rivers with strong currents and near dams. You could get pinned under the water. Choose calm areas to swim. #SwimHealthyVA