Summer is here, and many Alexandrians have started to dig out their swimsuits and kick off Alexandria’s pool season. Swimming offers a great way to spend time with friends, cool off, and get some exercise, but health risks can ruin a day in the water. 

This summer, Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is encouraging residents to follow these tips for safe, healthy swimming: 

Preventing Drowning

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and it is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14. However, people of all ages and swimming abilities can drown. Alexandrians can help prevent drowning with these steps.   

1. Learn to swim. Check out local lessons available through Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.
2. Supervise swimmers at all times. If you’re supervising, put away your screens.
3. Swim with a buddy. Even teens and adults should never swim alone.
4. Wear a life jacket.
5. Be prepared for emergencies. Always be ready to call 911.

Preventing Sickness

Along with the dangers of drowning or injury, a day at the pool can bring the threat of illnesses. Two main causes of illness during a pool day are germs and heat or harmful rays from the sun. 

Each summer many people, especially children, get sick when germs floating in pool water get into their bodies through swallowed pool water or unhealed cuts and wounds. Even though chemicals like chlorine can help kill germs, they don’t work immediately, and some germs can still survive for short periods of time in the water.   

Alexandrians can prevent the spread of water-borne germs with these tips:

1. Skip swimming if you’re feeling sick or have an unhealed cut or wound.
2. Don’t go into the pool if you’ve had diarrhea for the past 48 hours.
3. Teach children not to swallow pool water.
4. Shower with soap and water before and after swimming.
5. Don’t change diapers near the pool. Instead, go to a designated changing area.

Even if the pool cools you off, the sun is still strong. All people should wear sunscreen and re-apply every time they exit the water to prevent sun burns. Make sure to drink water and keep a lookout for signs of heat exhaustion or stroke, listed on the City’s Heat Safety website. 

More About Pool and Swimming Safety

AHD’s Environmental Health Division is responsible for inspecting and permitting Alexandria’s recreational aquatic facilities like pools, spas, water parks, and interactive fountains. If you have a concern about the health or safety of a recreational aquatic facility you visit this summer, please report it to AHD by calling 703.746.4910 or by using Alex311. 

More information about staying safe at the pool as well as other bodies of water like beaches, rivers, and lakes in Virginia is available on Virginia Department of Health’s Swim Healthy Virginia website. 

For media requests only, contact Eve Elliott, Communications Officer, at eve.elliott@vdh.virginia.gov.