Officers encourage protected swimming and water security practices forward of summer season

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — As temperatures rise and South Carolinians spend extra time having fun with non-public or public swimming pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, scorching tubs and splashpads, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents of the significance of practising water and swimming security.

Each yr, greater than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths happen within the United States. In 2024, 85 South Carolinians died due to unintentional drowning, in keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From 2020-2024, kids aged 1 to 4 years previous had the very best charge of drowning deaths.

“Summer offers valuable opportunities for recreation, but it is important to remember that water activities carry inherent risks,” mentioned Heather Kirlough, DPH Core State Injury Prevention Program Coordinator. “By remaining vigilant and prioritizing safe practices, South Carolinians can enjoy the summer months while remaining safe and healthy.”

Parents ought to all the time examine for hazards and indicators round designated swimming areas, and youngsters mustn’t swim alone or unattended. Enlist a trusted grownup to behave because the “Water Watcher,” particularly when kids are at play close to a pool, seashore or open physique of water.

Four-sided fences, barriers, covers and alarms ought to be put in round dwelling swimming pools.

DPH encourages all South Carolinians to take swimming classes and study extra about water security. The American Red Cross provides courses for all age teams, from infants to adults.

Freshwater security

Additional precautions ought to be taken when swimming in freshwater our bodies through the summer season months. Natural waterbodies aren’t chemically handled like swimming swimming pools, so there may be all the time a danger of coming into contact with doubtlessly dangerous micro organism, viruses, different organisms or contaminants.

Naegleria fowleri is a naturally occurring ameba in heat freshwater. Infection with Naegleria fowleri causes mind irritation and harm that could be very critical and virtually all the time deadly.

Recreational water customers ought to assume that Naegleria fowleri is current in any heat freshwater; nonetheless, the danger of an infection could be very low. Activities that may forcefully introduce the organism up the nostril like diving, tubing, or snowboarding in heat freshwater areas similar to lakes and rivers might enhance danger of publicity and an infection.

The solely sure solution to forestall a Naegleria fowleri an infection is to chorus from getting heat, untreated or poorly handled, freshwater up your nostril throughout water actions or when rinsing your nasal passages or sinuses. To cut back your danger:

• Avoid water-related actions in heat freshwater in periods of excessive water temperature and low water ranges.
• Hold your nostril shut, use nostril clips or hold your head above water when collaborating in water-related actions.
• Avoid digging in or stirring up sediment surrounding heat, contemporary water.
• Only rinse your nasal passages or sinuses with store-bought distilled or sterilized water, or with boiled then cooled faucet water.

Water monitoring

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) displays lakes, ponds, and rivers in South Carolina for dangerous algal blooms (HAB), which might influence the well being of individuals, animals, and the atmosphere.

SCDES displays for HABs to assist hold folks knowledgeable of any beneficial precautions if and when a HAB is recognized. SCDES’s Algal Bloom Monitoring Map reveals the place present advisories and watches are in impact.

Additionally, SCDES routinely collects water samples at greater than 120 places alongside South Carolina’s seashores. If excessive numbers of micro organism are discovered, an advisory is issued for that portion of the seashore, advising folks to not swim in these areas.

Visit the S.C. Beach Access Guide and zoom in or choose a seashore to search for swim advisory spots in that space.

For extra necessary suggestions for staying protected when recreating in lakes and rivers, go to des.sc.gov/safeswimming.