Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is asking parents and caregivers to think about the importance of water safety to protect their children on the first day of summer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is the number one cause of death for children 1-4 years old in the United States. Over 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020–2022, 500 more per year compared to 2019.
For families going to the beach, remember to pay attention to the warning flags that indicate the possibility of rip currents.
“North Carolina’s beaches, lakes and pools will be crowded as we head towards the Fourth of July holiday,” said Commissioner Causey. “Remember to pay attention to the warning flags at the beach that indicate the possibility of rip currents. A rip current’s force is strong enough to pull even the strongest swimmer out to sea.”
If caught in a rip current, stay calm, don’t fight the current and escape the current by swimming in a direction parallel to the shoreline. If at any time you are unable to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself and call for help.
“Most people believe a drowning person involves flailing arms or frantic calls for help, but that is not the case, said Commissioner Causey. “Drowning happens quietly when a helpless person is unable to take a breath.”
Commissioner Causey offers the following tips:
- 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 four feet high around the perimeter of a pool or spa.
- Use self-closing and self-latching gates.
- Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers. Install an alarm on the door leading from the house to the pool.