COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — The South Carolina Department of Public Health reminds residents to practice water and swimming safety this summer.

Each year, more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur in the United States.

In 2022, the most recent year for available data, 79 South Carolinians died because of unintentional drowning.

That year, drowning was also the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 4 in South Carolina and nationally.

“By implementing water safety tips and taking proper precautions, we can prevent 100% of drowning deaths,” said Heather Kirlough, DPH 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

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