Stay Alert: Keep Kids Safe Around Water This Summer
Published on July 17, 2025
Whether it’s at the pool, the beach, the river or lake, Arlington County Public Health urges parents and caregivers to be extra careful around water this summer.
Eight children under the age of five have accidentally drowned in Virginia pools since Memorial Day – that’s more than the total number of child drowning deaths in each of the last three years (three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022). In Arlington, there have been two reports of near drownings in the past two weeks.
Virginia Department of Health Encourages Families to Take the Pool Safely Pledge
Drowning is one of the top causes of death in children. It often happens fast and without warning. Unlike in the movies, there’s usually no yelling or splashing. The signscan be hard to see and may only last 20 to 60 seconds before the person goes under.
To help keep everyone safe, Public Health shares these water safety tips:
- Provide active supervision. A responsible adult should watch children closely when they are in or near water. Avoid distractions, even if lifeguards are there. For children younger than five, stay within arm’s reach.
- Learn to swim. Swim lessons help kids and adults feel more confident and stay safe.
- Learn CPR. Knowing how to help in an emergency can save a life.
- Swim with a buddy. Do not swim alone.
- Do not swim in the dark when it’s harder to see if someone’s in trouble.
- Watch for swimming hazards like rough water or strong currents.
- Follow all signs and lifeguard directions.
- Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. “Floaties,” arm bands, and water wings are toys, not safety devices. Kids using them still need close supervision.
- Make sure pools have safety features to help prevent injuries, like lifeguards and fences.
Stay alert this summer. Together, we can keep pools and beaches safe for everyone! Visit Safety Tips for Swimmers or swimhealthyva.com for more information.
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