Summer may be coming to a close, but water safety is more important than ever!
At this time of year, many Jersey Shore residents like to call the next several weeks “the local’s summer” now that most of our visitors have returned home.
That means many of us will flock to the empty beaches and look to enjoy the water while it remains warm.
However, the OCHD and Ocean County emergency responders are urging individuals and families to take extreme caution now that most lifeguards are off-duty at our local beaches.
Factors contributing to drownings include dangerous currents and strong rip tides, lack of barriers or fencing, hidden water hazards, and unexpected, unsupervised access to pools and open water.
The U.S is experiencing an unprecedented drowning crisis, especially among young children of all ages, according to a recent CDC report.
Drownings among kids ages 1-4 – already the leading cause of death for this age group – has risen 28% since 2019, while the rate for African-Americans climbed 28% in 2021 compared to 2019, the data revealed.
Overall, there were more than 4,500 drownings in the U.S. annually from 2020 to 2022, an increase of about 10% over the past few years. These grim statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced year-round water safety measures year-round to combat an entirely preventable tragedy.
Water safety is essential 365 days a year – not just during the summer months.
Remember to always practice and follow the ABCDE’s of water safety: A is for ADULT supervision, B is for BARRIERS around water (i.e. four-sided fencing around a pool), C is for swim CLASSES and CPR training, D is for avoiding DRAIN entrapment and using DEVICES such as Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and E is for EVERYWHERE because water is all around us.