HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) —This year, 19 people have died in surf-zone fatalities in the United States, according to the National Weather Service.
This comes as the CDC reports a spike in drowning deaths, and it’s all happening amid an ongoing string of heat advisories and swimming alerts, so precautions must be taken by the public.
Hampton Roads is a major destination for tourists, and each year, thousands flock to places like Virginia Beach. However, a trip to hit the water could take a dark turn, and even be deadly, if safety isn’t prioritized.
So how can you maximize your summer fun without without putting your safety at risk?
First things first, use a buddy system.
“Always swim with somebody that’s capable of helping you out in case you get in trouble,” said Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service Capt. Mark Levine. “Stay close to the shore. Don’t go so far out that it’s too late before somebody can help you. Limit the amount of alcohol. Definitely don’t do any drugs while you’re out swimming.”
Beach-goers are also advised to be aware of life-threatening rip currents. This year, eight people have reportedly drowned in the currents along the Atlantic coast.
“So, the best advice probably is just not to fight that current,” said Kassy McCoy, a lifeguard with the Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service. “Throw your arm up for help. Don’t freak out. And the lifeguards are all here to help you. You can also pay attention to the different flag colors.”
Unlike most beaches which put out a variety of flag colors, Virginia Beach only uses red to alert the public. If you see one, you should speak with your nearest lifeguard.
“So normally the lifeguards will advise everyone,” McCoy said. “We’re setting up red flags behind our stand. I will just identify that the water is dangerous that day, and feel free to ask the lifeguard why those conditions are like that. So, everything will be identified through that red flag that says the water is dangerous. That simply means don’t get in the water.”
While on the beach, another major advisory that will continue pertains to the intense heat levels.
“You know, the beach on an average day, the sand will get above 130 degrees,” Levine said. “So you got to be careful walking out. You want to have some foot protection — flip flops, shoes, sandals, whatever, and stay hydrated.”
The Lifesaving Service team recommends when getting in the water, to venture out no more than 100 feet from the shore, and to only swim within your capabilities.
The Virginia Beach Lifesaving Service has around 50 lifeguards staffed until mid-October, which provides the beach with enough support to cover emergencies for the duration of the busy tourist season.