May is National Water Safety Month: Stay Safe Around Water This Season

As temperatures rise and families head to pools, lakes, and beaches, the OWL Volunteer Fire Department is joining the nationwide effort to promote National Water Safety Month this May.

Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children, and many water-related emergencies are preventable with a few simple precautions. As first responders, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly water accidents can happen — and how critical preparation and awareness can be.

🚨 Water Safety Tips for Families and Swimmers:

• Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system, even in a pool.

• Designate a water watcher. An undistracted adult should always supervise swimmers, especially children.

• Use life jackets near open water. They’re essential for young children, weak swimmers, and anyone on a boat or dock.

• Learn CPR. Knowing how to respond in an emergency can save a life before help arrives.

• Secure home pools. Fences, locked gates, and pool alarms are critical for preventing unsupervised access.

• Stay off inflatables in open water. Wind and currents can carry you farther from shore than expected.

🚒 How OWL VFD Supports Water Safety

Our department supports local CPR certification programs, offers water safety education, and assists in emergency responses along waterways in our community. By working together and staying alert, we can reduce the number of water-related accidents this summer.

Let’s keep this season fun and safe. From your neighbors at OWL VFD — enjoy the water responsibly, and don’t hesitate to reach out for resources or training.

Stay safe. Stay aware. Stay afloat.