North Carolina experiences intense summer heat, prompting Wake County residents to visit local pools and lakes for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and kayaking. However, these activities come with certain risks. Last summer, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and EMS responded to 45 water-related emergencies. In response, Wake County has launched a new initiative called the Swim Smart campaign to promote water safety.
Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas emphasized the importance of taking precautions while enjoying local waters like Falls Lake and public pools. “We’re lucky that Wake County is home to some beautiful recreational waters like Falls Lake, along with dozens of public pools and splash pads, where we can all find some relief from the summer heat,” she said. “But it’s important that everyone takes the proper precautions to ensure that a day of outdoor fun doesn’t end in distress.”
The county has collaborated with the City of Raleigh and the Sheriff’s Office to produce a video and resources focusing on essential water safety tips. Sheriff Willie Rowe highlighted the importance of staying vigilant near water bodies: “We want everyone to enjoy the water safely. Drownings can happen quickly and often without warning,” he stated. “Whether you’re at the pool, lake or beach, stay alert, wear a life jacket in open water and don’t swim alone. Let’s work together to make this a safe summer on the water.”
Residents can access the full Swim Smart video along with additional resources such as lists of safe swimming areas and information about local swim lessons at wake.gov/SwimSmartSummer.
