CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – Swimming safety is one of the things at the top of the mind of the Trauma Program Manager at UVa Health. Whether there are lifeguards or not, Valerie Quick said it’s essential people swimming together look out for each other… and parents keep a vigilant eye on their kids.

She says drowning is rarely an event where someone is flailing their arms screaming for help… but is usually someone getting tired and quietly sinking to the bottom. Which means, also, being mindful of pool toys because they can obstruct the view of lifeguards and others seeing someone at the bottom of a pool.

Quick says lifeguards provide a layer of extra safety, but the ultimate responsibility comes down to parental and adult supervision.