Riverside County Officials Emphasize Water Safety for Memorial Day
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Riverside County authorities are stressing the importance of water safety to prevent drowning incidents. The warm weather encourages families to engage in swimming, boating, and jet skiing activities, but officials warn that drowning risks remain significant, especially for young children.
Riverside University Health System (RUHS) and First 5 Riverside County are leading efforts to raise awareness about water-related safety. Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington highlighted the importance of vigilance when children are near water, noting that drowning can happen quickly and quietly. He pointed out that First 5 Riverside County provides swim lessons, including self-rescue training for babies as young as six months, to help children build confidence and stay safe around water.
Drowning Statistics and Safety Recommendations
Data from the California Department of Public Health shows that between 2020 and 2024, Riverside County recorded 430 emergency department visits for drowning and submersion injuries among children under 18. Nearly 84% of these cases involved children younger than five years old. During the same period, 24 child drowning deaths were reported, with 19 of those deaths affecting children under five.
Dr. Michael Mesisca, Chair of Emergency Medicine at RUHS Medical Center, explained that drownings often occur silently without obvious signs of distress. He cautioned that drownings can take place in any water setting, from lakes to even small containers like buckets.
RUHS recommends several preventive measures to reduce drowning risks:
- Obtain training in CPR, basic first aid, and water rescue techniques.
- Install barriers such as gates, fences, and alarms around water sources.
- Assign a dedicated water watcher when people are near water and avoid swimming alone.
- Refrain from alcohol or medication use that can impair swimming or judgment when in or near water.
- Enroll children in swim lessons taught by certified instructors.
- Use life jackets when on or near natural water bodies.
Educational Resources and Community Events in Riverside County
Riverside County offers a range of educational resources to promote water safety. Families can access swim lessons sponsored by First 5 Riverside County for children from six months up to five years old. These lessons include individual survival swim training and group classes available at over 20 locations throughout the county. Interested residents can find more information and enroll at First5riverside.org.
Additionally, community events such as the Mecca Splash Water Safety Fair provide opportunities for residents to learn about water safety. This free event will take place on June 12 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Mecca Community Center, featuring multiple organizations and county departments sharing valuable information.
First 5 Riverside County Executive Director Charna Whidby emphasized the importance of prevention, stating that practical safety steps and early swim lessons can save children’s lives. She encourages all parents and caregivers to take advantage of these resources before a crisis occurs.
Residents are urged to remain alert and take necessary precautions around water this Memorial Day weekend to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.
The announcement and recommendations come from Riverside University Health System and First 5 Riverside County.
