As families head to pools, lakes, and beaches to beat the heat, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding residents to prioritize both water and sun safety to prevent drowning and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Drowning remains a serious concern, especially for young children. In 2022, 79 South Carolinians lost their lives due to unintentional drowning, and drowning was the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 4 both statewide and nationally.
“By implementing water safety tips and taking proper precautions, we can prevent 100% of drowning deaths,” said Heather Kirlough, DPH’s Core State Injury Prevention Program Coordinator. “We want to make sure all South Carolinians are equipped with the knowledge and skills that can keep them and their children safe when swimming this summer.”
DPH urges adults to designate a “Water Watcher”—a responsible individual tasked with supervising children in the water without distractions. A printable Water Watcher card is available at www.safekids.org/water and can be worn to remind caretakers of this lifesaving responsibility.
DPH also advises learning CPR, taking swimming lessons through organizations such as the YMCA and American Red Cross, avoiding alcohol while supervising or swimming, and checking whether medications or health conditions could impact water safety.
At the same time, DPH is calling attention to the growing impact of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S. In 2023, South Carolina recorded 1,639 cases of malignant melanoma—the deadliest type of skin cancer—and 144 related deaths.
“People with blonde or red hair and lighter skin are at higher risk of skin cancer, but anyone of any skin color can get skin cancer,” said Dr. Vinita Leedom, director of DPH’s Cancer Section. “It is important to practice sun safety and to avoid tanning beds to lower your risk.”
DPH recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and using caution near water and sand, which reflect harmful UV rays.
Regular self-examinations are also key to early detection. The department encourages residents to follow the CDC’s “A-B-C-D-E” guidelines to monitor changes in moles or skin discolorations and to consult a healthcare provider with any concerns.
“As a mom to a toddler, I always make sure we carry a sun hat and sunscreen with us during the warmer months,” said Hallie Heffner, DPH’s Cancer Prevention Coordinator. “Making sun protection part of your family’s daily routine is one way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.”
For more information, visit the DPH Water Safety and Drowning Prevention webpage or the DPH Skin Cancer Prevention page. To speak with a DPH expert, email media@dph.sc.gov.
