DPH issues summer water safety alert across SC pools, lakes and rivers
(WPDE) — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur each year in the United States, and 85 South Carolinians died because of unintentional drowning. Children aged from one to four are at the highest rate of drowning deaths.
(Photo: File)
To prevent unintentional drowning deaths, the DPH is asking residents to introduce these practices:
- Parents should always check for hazards and signs around designated swimming areas
- Children should not swim alone or unattended
- Four-sided fences, barriers, covers, and alarms should be installed around home pools.
- Take swimming lessons and learn more about water safety, encouraged by the DPH
“Summer offers valuable opportunities for recreation, but it is important to remember that water activities carry inherent risks … By remaining vigilant and prioritizing safe practices, South Carolinians can enjoy the summer months while remaining safe and healthy,” said Heather Kirlough, DPH Core State Injury Prevention Program Coordinater, Heather Kirlough.
When swimming in freshwater bodies, there is always a risk of coming into contact with harmful bacteria, viruses, and other organisms or contaminants.
A brain-eating amoeba, Naegleria fowleri, is found in warm freshwater. Naegleria fowleri’s infection risk is very low, but it can cause brain inflammation and damage that is almost always fatal.
Actions that can expose oneself to this organism and increase risk of exposure are:
- diving
- tubing
- skiing, in warm freshwater
The DPH is asking residents to refrain from getting in warm, untreated freshwater up their nose by performing these acts to prevent a Naegleria fowleri infection
- Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels.
- Hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water when taking part in water-related activities.
- Avoid digging in or stirring up sediment surrounding warm, fresh water.
- Only rinse your nasal passages or sinuses with store-bought distilled or sterilized water, or with boiled and then cooled tap water.
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