May is National Water Safety Month

This May, the Virginia Department of Social Services is proud to join the nation in recognizing National Water Safety Month. Whether outside at the pool, lake, or beach-or inside at home-small steps can make a big difference in keeping children and families safe around water.

Outdoor Water Safety

Enjoying outdoor water activities? Remember these key safety tips:

Before You Get In

Check the weather and water conditions before swimming or boating.
Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket anytime you're in, on, or near water-even at pools and waterparks.
Never swim alone-always swim with a buddy.

While in the Water

Designate a Water Watcher: Adults should take 15-minute shifts actively watching children.
Stay calm in rip currents: Swim parallel to the shore, not against the current.
Respect moving water: Six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult; two feet can sweep away vehicles.

Water Survival Skills for Children

Every child should know how to:

Step or jump into deep water and return to the surface.
Turn around and find safety.
Float or tread water.
Breathe while moving forward in the water.
Exit the water safely.

Inside Water Safety

Water safety starts at home, too. Even small amounts of water can pose a big risk. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-4. Babies under 1 year old are most likely to drown at home-in bathtubs, buckets, or even small containers.

Watch Closely

Always stay within arm's reach when babies and young children are in or near water.
Gather everything you need for bath time before placing a child in the tub.

Eliminate Risks

Empty tubs, buckets, and kiddie pools immediately after use and store them upside down.
Keep bathroom doors closed and toilet lids down when not in use.

Together, We Can Prevent Drownings

With simple precautions, every family can enjoy the water safely. Join us this month-and every month-in taking steps to protect Virginia's children and families around water. Learn more about water safety tips on our Parent Resource Guide and by visiting the following resources:

Water Safety at Home - Safe Kids Worldwide

Water Hazards - National Park Service

In-Home
Services Prevention Services
(includes manual) Additional
Resources Community
Partners

The prevention of child abuse and neglect requires the support and watchfulness of parents, family, and the entire community. The goal of Prevention Services is to strengthen families by ensuring the safety, permanency, and well-being of its children. These services are designed to:

Prevent the occurrence (or reoccurrence) of child abuse/neglect from any caretaker
Prevent out-of-home care (including the prevention of foster care)

To learn more about the work the Virginia Department of Social Services is doing to prevent child abuse and neglect in Virginia, read this message from our Prevention and Protection Assistant Director, Traci Jones.

Pathways to Child Safety

Prevention Services are determined by:

Target population
Degree of trauma experienced by the child and family
Level of intervention by LDSS

Benefits of providing prevention services to families in a strength-based, trauma informed system that promotes protective factors include the following:

Families who identify their problems and seek help through prevention are more likely to benefit quickly from services and their children are less likely to be at risk of abuse and neglect and out-of-home care.
Early involvement with the family reduces the likelihood of abuse and neglect occurring, maintains permanency for the child in their family, and preserves sibling groups.
Strength-based family engagement approaches empower family members and increase their opportunity to be self-sufficient.
Training and education in the areas of parents' understanding of child development, behavior management, stress management, attachment, and nurturing reduces negative behavior problems and family conflict and improves family relationships.