PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Commissioner Causey Reminds You to Play it Safe In and Around Water this Summer.
Due to the high number of water deaths in our state this year, I have an urgent message on how you can ‘Play it Safe’ when visiting the ocean, a lake or a swimming pool this summer.
Recent reports of ocean rescues and drownings are stark reminders that we always need to use extra caution when we’re around or in the water.
Nationwide, at least 23 people have died after being caught up in rip currents this year.
Here in North Carolina, I’ve seen news reports saying that there were nearly 200 rip current rescues at our state’s beaches during the week of July 4.
Earlier this month, a teenage girl got caught in a rip current and drowned at Ocean Isle Beach.
A few days later, a 57-year-old drowning victim died at Surf City. I visited Surf City last month to tour their amazing water rescue resources, so even the safest and most well-patrolled beaches aren’t immune from news such as this.
According to a Lending Tree study, North Carolina had the eighth highest pool drownings going back to 2018.
There are things you can do to stay safe in the water this summer, including educating yourself on what to do if you get caught in a rip current or in deep water.
Rip currents can be dangerous and can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. If you get caught in a rip current, stay calm and don’t try to fight the current. It’s best to swim parallel to the shoreline until you eventually get out of the current. If you don’t think you can make it to shore, draw attention to yourself by calling for help.
Here are some tips:
Heed the Warning Flags
- Red flags indicate strong surf and currents.
- Yellow flags indicate moderate surf and currents — the water is likely to be rough but not exceedingly dangerous. Exercise caution and stay near the lifeguards.
- Green flags indicate the ocean is calm or clear.
- Blue or purple flags often indicate that potentially dangerous marine life (think sharks or jellyfish) are in the area or have been spotted nearby.
Know how to swim
- Ocean swimming is different from swimming in a pool or lake — be prepared to deal with strong surf before running in.
- If you're at the beach with a child or adult who can't swim, make sure everyone has a well-fitting lifejacket.
- The ocean floor is not flat and beaches can change drastically from year to year. When heading into the water, be aware that the ocean floor can drop off unexpectedly, so be prepared to swim in water over your head.
- Obey the buddy system while swimming. Keep a friend nearby in case either of you ends up needing help.
- Pick a swimming spot close to a lifeguard. Lifeguards are there for a reason — they know and can see things about the beach that most beachgoers don't.
Those visiting pools can take the following precautions around pools and lakes.
- Always watch children and never leave them unattended.
- Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings.
- Always keep a charged phone nearby.
- Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.
- Understand the basics of lifesaving so you can assist in an emergency.
- Install a fence at least 4 feet high around the perimeter of the pool or spa.
- Take breaks: Swim for about 30 minutes, or more often depending on your age and swimming ability.
- Take a break to reapply sunscreen, hydrate, and eat a snack.
- Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers. Install an alarm on the door leading from the house to the pool.
Water can be fun and refreshing, especially on hot summer days. Using a good measure of caution in the water can make sure your visit remains fun and doesn’t turn into tragedy.
Stay safe out there!
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