DURHAM, N.C. – The dog days of summer are upon us again and many will take to area pools and waterways to beat the heat.

The Durham County Department of Public Health wants everyone to take advantage of the liquid fun in the sun, but encourage residents to do so safely.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about ten people die from unintentional drowning every day. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.

More than 50% of drowning victims treated in emergency departments require hospitalization or transfer for further care, compared with a hospitalization rate of about 6% for all unintentional injuries. These nonfatal drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning.

The environmental health division Durham County Department of Public Health currently enforces rules governing the operation of 228 seasonal and 154 public swimming pools, wading pools, and spas in the county.

“The safety of those using pools and spas in the county is our number one priority,” said Robert Brown, environmental health division director. “Even after a facility has been inspected, our staff makes unannounced compliance inspections during the operating season to make sure that physical pool components, water circulation systems, water chemistry and clarity, and life safety systems are working and up to standards. If there are critical violations, a pool permit is subject to immediate suspension and the pool will be forced to close.”

The division is also responsible for weekly sampling for E. Coli bacteria levels during the swimming season at Rolling View Beach, Durham County’s only public beach, located on Falls Lake.

The keys to safety in and around the water are proper supervision and being aware of the surrounding environment. Some things to look for include:

• Make sure pool gates are always closed. When entering the pool area, gates should latch after entry.
• Pool rules are clearly posted.
• Ensure that a working emergency phone exists in the pool area.
• Make sure there is clear unobstructed access around the pool.
• A lifeguard should be on duty or signs posted indicating that no lifeguard is provided. If no lifeguard is provided, the law requires that a US Coast Guard approved ring buoy, throw rope and reach pole with body hook be visible and readily accessible.
• In general, if the water chemistry is properly maintained, the water will be crystal clear and sparkling. A coin dropped into the pool will be clearly visible on the pool floor
• Follow the no diving and depth warnings
• Stay away from the main drains.

Additional tips and recommendations for preventing water-related injuries can be found by visiting the CDC’s Home and Recreational Safety page at http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Water-Safety/index.html.

For more information about pool and spa inspections and water quality monitoring in Durham County, contact the environmental health division at 919-560-7800, by e-mail at healthinspector@dconc.gov, or visit the division webpage at dconc.gov/publichealth.

 
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