Category: Organizations on Seabrook

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In our coastal waters, rivers and creeks, it is critical to familiarize oneself with local knowledge about the waterway and its conditions before setting out on any boat or kayak trip. Some of us remember the case of two men fishing in a kayak 30 yards from the Seabrook shore who were swept out to sea by a strong current in 2007. Winds were 25 knots and the seas were four to six feet. The men were not wearing lifejackets when they departed. One was rescued by the coast guard five miles east of Fripp Island after an 18-hour search . The other’s body was recovered 20 miles away, two weeks later. Learning to swim is little defense in these situations.

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There is an old sailing adage that says “the sea is no place for the inexperienced.” This is true for our coastal waters too. Beachgoers often underestimate the potential dangers associated with ocean swimming, and water safety at the beach is a serious concern. Keep in mind that children who can swim in a pool may not be able to swim in the turmoil of the surf. What are potential dangers at the beach?

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What could be more fun than a big pool party on a bright summer day? 

Although there are no reliable statistics for pool party drownings, sadly they occur and are entirely preventable. Residential pools are the site of the majority of drownings in young children.

On August 4, 2024, two nine year olds drowned in separate pool parties in Chattanooga, TN. In an article titled “Killer Parties” published by Aquatics International in 2024, several important risk factors for children drowning at these events are enumerated.

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Do you know that drowning is the leading cause of death among children in the United States? The statistics are alarming. To learn about them, click here.

How do you quickly recognize that someone is drowning? 

We have all seen movies that depict drowning in dramatic scenes of screaming, waving, and yelling for help, but this isn’t how it usually happens. Drowning often occurs silently and can be difficult to detect. According to Divers Alert Network, “The most common appearance of someone who is drowning is that they don’t look like they are drowning.”

Initially, some swimmers may briefly demonstrate aquatic distress. For a while, they might be able to yell and wave that they are in trouble, and they can still grab a life ring or float. What are the signs someone is in danger of drowning?

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Water safety guidelines for children are essential to prevent drowning, which is a leading cause of injury and death among young kids. Water safety for children is not just about swimming lessons. It’s about creating layers of protection and anticipating the presence of hazards. Formal swim lessons can significantly reduce drowning risk, but they do not replace vigilant oversight.

In our “Be Water Wise” program, we teach the first graders several safety points.

For the past 16 years, Waterproof, Inc. and its dedicated local volunteers have been teaching children from Johns Island about water safety and providing them with swimming lessons. From May 11 – 21, 2026, we taught how to “Be Water Wise” to 70 first grade students from Angel Oak Elementary School at the Lake House outdoor pool. According to  US National Water Safety Action Plan (USNWSAP), teaching swimming to children ages 6-10 years reduces their risk of drowning by 96%.

Learning about water safety isn’t just for children. Anywhere there is water there is risk. Waterproof, Inc. wants everyone to be water wise since we live on a barrier island that is surrounded by water and contains lakes, ponds, and pools within it. During this week, Tidelines will feature a series of five articles addressing why and how to stay safe in and near water as part of our Water Safety Awareness Week.

Our swimming pools and beaches are fun places. Let’s all work on making them safe. Look for a new article each day this week on being water wise!

-Submitted by Derek Fyfe, Waterproof, Inc.