Essential water safety tips for North Carolina families

Staying cool at the pool or the beach is integral to summer fun. So, North Carolina health officials have all the water safety tips you need!

With summer activities ramping up across North Carolina, state health officials are launching a comprehensive safety campaign to protect residents from seasonal hazards. The initiative comes as emergency departments reported over 4,600 heat-related illnesses during the summer months of 2024, highlighting the critical need for public awareness about warm-weather risks.

State health department outlines essential summer safety measures

“Every North Carolinian deserves to enjoy the summer season without risk to their health or safety,” said Dr. Kelly Kimple, Interim State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer. “By taking small, thoughtful actions—like supervising children near water, staying cool during extreme heat and practicing safe grilling—we can all stay safe this summer.”

Critical focus on preventing water-related tragedies

As National Water Safety Month in May brought attention to drowning prevention, the CDC emphasizes that drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one through four. The NCDHHS recommends several key safety measures around water:

• Maintain constant adult supervision of children near any water
• Install proper barriers around pools and remove access points when not in use
• Be aware of water conditions, including currents and depth changes
• Avoid swimming while sick to prevent spreading illness
• Verify proper pool sanitization and maintenance

Rising temperatures demand increased vigilance

North Carolina continues to experience more days of extreme heat, defined as temperatures reaching 95 degrees or higher. Health officials urge residents to:

• Monitor for heat illness symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and confusion
• Stay hydrated and seek cool environments
• Pay special attention to high-risk individuals, including children, seniors, and outdoor workers

Bonus: Food safety for summer gatherings

With most foodborne illness outbreaks occurring between May and August, the NCDHHS emphasizes proper food handling during outdoor cooking:

• Practice thorough hand washing before and after food preparation
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate
• Use food thermometers to ensure safe cooking temperatures
• Properly store leftovers within two hours
• Maintain clean cooking surfaces and utensils