Raleigh
May 22, 2026
As North Carolina pauses to remember the sacrifice of service members this Memorial Day weekend, many families will head to the pool, lake or beach to spend time. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey reminds everyone to think about water safety. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Here are some precautions to take around pools and open water:
- Always watch children and never leave them unattended.
- Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.
- If possible, swim near a lifeguard.
- At the coast, pay attention to the warning flags that indicate the possibility of rip currents.
- If you’re caught in a rip current, stay calm. Don’t fight the current. You can escape the current by swimming in a direction parallel to the shoreline. If you’re unable to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself and call for help.
- On a boat, always wear a life jacket.
- Never operate a boat while impaired.
Commissioner Causey wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.