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Provoked by the tragic losses they faced in Beaufort County waters last summer, Beaufort County Fire Chiefs are urging citizens to take extra precautions this year when around waterways.<!--more-->

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Water - whether in a pool, on a beach, or in the tub - can be extremely dangerous, and can cause serious injury or death within seconds. Last year’s tragedy’s have firefighters anxious about this approaching beach season.

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“The biggest thing we want people to realize, especially those watching young children, is that water can be a silent killer,” stated Chief Harry Rountree, president of the Beaufort County Fire Chief’s Association. “People can slip below the surface without making a sound.”

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County Fire Chief’s offer these suggestions to make this summer a safe and enjoyable one:

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	<li>Make sure an adult is properly supervising children around water. Give that adult an item like a set of keys to remind them they are the one responsible for watching the children</li>
	<li>Take advantage of swim lessons offered at local pools to ensure children are confident and capable when around water – teach them young</li>
	<li>Don’t fight riptides. If you find yourself being taken off shore by currents go with current at an angle to the beach until you’re out</li>
	<li>Stay away from peers and jetties that cause unpredictable currents and under- toes</li>
	<li>Ensure pools are properly fenced and secured to prevent access by curious children</li>
	<li>Make sure all children use USCG approved flotation devices and that such devices fit properly. Be especially careful of “water wing” flotation devices that may submerge and hold a child underwater should one of the arm floats come off</li>
	<li>Always swim in pairs</li>
	<li>Establish family rules as to where it is safe to swim and for how long - vigorously enforce those rules</li>
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