Take the Safe Swimming Pledge

Enjoy enjoyable, wholesome and protected summer time within the water

Drowning occurs quick, quicker than most individuals notice. In as little as 20 seconds, a youngster or grownup can slip beneath the water and disappear. No splashing. No yelling. No warning. It occurs rapidly, quietly, and it might probably occur to anybody. 

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1 and 4. Last yr, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reported 12 pool drownings amongst youngsters ages 0 to five, which sadly represented a six-year excessive within the variety of pool drownings. 

And it’s not simply younger youngsters. Between 2020 to 2024, 473 Virginians died from drowning. More than half of these deaths occurred in pure waters like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Drowning can occur to anybody – youngsters, teenagers, even sturdy grownup swimmers. It solely takes a second. 

That’s why this summer time, VDH is asking adults to take the Safe Swimming Pledge and make water security a every day behavior. 

2026 Safe Swimming Pledge 

I promise to: 

1. Never go away youngsters unattended close to water and at all times stay inside arm’s attain. 

1. Designate a water watcher each single time youngsters in my care are in or close to the water. A Water Watcher is a accountable grownup who agrees to look at the children within the water with out distractions. 

1. Make certain youngsters in my care know the best way to swim. 

1. Learn CPR and know the best way to use lifesaving gear like throw rings, rescue tubes, and reaching poles. 

1. Ensure any everlasting pool I am chargeable for has a correct fence and gate and protected drain covers and any transportable pool ladders are eliminated when not in use. 

Thank you for doing all of your half to make sure all of us have a protected and wholesome summer time of enjoyable. Visit swimhealthyva.com or the Department of Social Service’s Water Safety page for extra protected swimming ideas. Remember: swim protected, keep protected!