Clean Water

Last Friday in Bennington, a 9-year-old accidentally drowned at a summer camp.Health officials in both Vermont and Northern New York are stressing the importance of knowing how to swim. According to the Vermont Department of Health, Vermont averages nine drowning deaths per year.So far in 2024, there have been five drowning deaths of residents in Vermont.Most drowning deaths are in natural bodies of water versus artificial ,” said Stephanie Busch with the Vermont Department of Health.In New York, the Clinton County Health Department said drowning is the leading cause of death for children up to the age of 14.Molly Flynn, from their department, said it isn’t like the movies, where there’s splashing and yelling for help.Drowning is often swift and silent.Her advice to parents and guardians is to always keep an eye on kids when they’re in the water.A simple solution to help with that is changing the color of their bathing suit. If it’s those typical pool kind of colors, blues and teals and purples, it can be really hard to see that bathing suit in the water,” said Flynn. “But if it’s a drastically different color than the pool liner, you’re going to be able to see that kid in the pool.For more than two decades, Charlotte Brynn of The Swimming Hole in Stowe, has been teaching those of all ages basic swimming techniques.Brynn believes the skillset has become a “lost art.” Learning how to let the water support and hold you up with breathing techniques and relaxation so that you can remain calm in any situation in the water,” said Brynn. Starting next week, The Swimming Hole is offering free adult-to-learn swim groups.For more tips, the Clinton County Health Department has a water safety guide available.The Vermont Department of Health also has water safety advice on its website.For those experiencing a pediatric death, the 988 crisis lifeline can connect you with a helping hand.