Md Health Officials Urge Water Safety

 

This week is “National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week.”


Frederick, Md (CY)- Each year, more than half of drownings among children ages 1-4 are pool related. Half of these drownings occur in the child’s home pool.

This week is “National Healthy and Safe Swimming Week.”

The campaign runs from May 21-27, 2018, covering Memorial Day weekend.

“We’re reminding Marylanders to keep swimming safety in mind to prevent injuries and drownings” says Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert Neall. “We want everyone to stay happy and healthy all year.”

The Healthy and Safe Swimming campaign has listed several guidelines swimmers can follow in order to prevent drowning, common injuries, sunburns, and infections such as:

-Never swim alone
-Always be aware of young children’s activities and whereabouts
-Use swim vests on all young children at the beach and for weaker swimmers in pools
-Reapply sunscreen frequently throughout the day
-Drink plenty of fluids
-Don’t swallow pool or beach water

“Maryland’s beautiful waters delight millions of people all summer, whether in the Atlantic Surf, Chesapeake tides, or cold mountain rivers” says Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Mark Belton. “It’s important to remember that water is a potentially dangerous force of nature, and it’s essential to follow the rules of swimming safety.”

For more information and more swimming safety tips, call the Maryland Department of Environmental Health Helpline at 1-866-703-3266. Additional information on current Maryland beaches is available at MarylandHealthyBeaches.org