Clayton Fire Shares Water Safety Tips to Prevent Drownings
As summer heats up, more families are heading to splash pads, pools, lakes, and rivers to cool off. The Clayton Fire Department is encouraging everyone to stay alert and make safety a priority around water.
Captain Bryan Belvin, the department’s Community Risk Reduction Specialist, says it’s important to know the currents when swimming in a lake, river, or ocean. Swimmers should stay in safe, marked areas and keep in mind that water conditions can change quickly, even on calm days.
“Drowning can happen fast and often without a splash or cry for help.” said Belvin. “In many cases, a person’s mouth is barely above water, their legs stop moving, and they may be gasping silently. It can be easy to miss unless someone is watching closely.”
Belvin urges swimmers to never go alone and to always use life jackets or flotation devices, especially for children and weaker swimmers. These tools can prevent tragedy, even in familiar places.
“If a swimmer gets a cramp or feels weak, they may not be able to call for help. Having someone nearby means there’s an extra set of eyes to notice distress and respond quickly,” said Belvin.
If someone appears to be struggling, Belvin says don’t jump into the water without thinking. Reach out with something long like a stick, throw a flotation device or rope, and only go in if trained to help. Regardless, always call 911 and be ready to relay the exact location.
Another tip is parents and caregivers should also secure pools with fences and alarms as well as keep toys and floats out of reach when not in use. Belvin emphasizes bright, colorful items can attract young children to the water when adults aren’t nearby, increasing the risk of an accident.
He also encourages parents to monitor children closely after water play. In rare cases, a child may appear fine but later show signs of secondary drowning, a condition caused by inhaling water. Belvin said to watch for coughing, trouble breathing, or unusual fatigue, especially around bedtime.
Finally, he stresses how learning CPR could save a life. “Seconds count,” reiterated Belvin. “The earlier CPR begins, the better the chance someone has to survive.” Local fire departments and community colleges often offer CPR classes to the public, so he says to reach out and ask for upcoming programs.
Water activities are a great way to enjoy the season, but they do come with risks. By staying alert, using the right gear, and watching out for one another, Belvin says families can enjoy a safer summer. To learn more about safety tips from the Clayton Fire Department, visit townofclaytonnc.org/fire.
