Essential safety tips for a summer on West Virginia waters

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) –– In light of the recent drownings in West Virginia, it is crucial to know how to keep your loved ones safe on the water this summer.

There are more than 4,000 accidental drownings every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. July sees the highest rate of drownings.

“The most important technique is just to teach them to be comfortable around water,” Sarah Bolyerd, CEO and president of YMCA of Kanawha Valley, said. “As soon as they are comfortable around water, then we can teach them the skills they are necessarily required in order for them to survive in the water.”

The YMCA of Kanawha Valley offers swimming lessons starting as young as 6-months-old.

“Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4,” Bolyerd said. “Our target population is going to be those younger children teaching them the skills that are necessary for them to survive in water, but also to enjoy and make memories in the water, as well.”

But it doesn’t stop with kids.

“We also do adult swim lessons for those adults who may not know how to swim and just want to be comfortable in the water because their kids are in the water,” Bolyerd said.

In the case of a water emergency, Bolyerd urges people to protect themselves first.

“If you’re out and you see a friend or family member in distress it’s important to not even go after them unless you have something to protect yourself, whether that be a life jacket or a floating device that you can put in between yourself and that person,” Bolyerd said. “Typically a person that’s in distress is going to react and is going to panic and is probably going to pull you under, as well.”

And always be mindful, especially if kids are around the water.

“A majority of drownings that happen with children don’t happen in water, it’s around water,” Bolyerd said.

Drownings were higher in recent years increasing about 500 more deaths each year compared to 2019, according to the CDC.