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Onslow County Health Department urges water, sun and vaccination precautions ahead of summer
Summary
Onslow County Health Department representative Allison Romano outlined water-safety steps, sun-protection guidance and recommended vaccination checks for residents preparing for summer activities, and said the department offers CPR/first-aid classes and travel immunization services.
The Onslow County Health Department urged residents on a community broadcast to take water-safety, sun-protection and vaccination precautions as summer approaches.
Allison Romano, a representative of the Onslow County Health Department, said May is Water Safety Month and stressed checking local conditions, using life jackets and never swimming alone. "May is Water Safety Month," Romano said. "If it says to wear a life jacket, wear a life jacket." Romano also recommended swim lessons, supervision of young children by a competent adult and secure pool fencing with working locks.
The guidance is aimed at Onslow County's coastal population, where beaches, rivers and pools increase the risk of water-related incidents. Romano said rip currents are often hard to see and advised checking with lifeguards or park staff before entering the water.
Romano cautioned that sun exposure remains a serious health concern and reminded listeners that North Carolina ranks high for skin cancer incidence. "Sunscreen is gonna be your best form of protection," she said, recommending SPF 30 or higher, reapplying after swimming and covering up with hats or sun-protective clothing. Romano added that UV exposure can be high on cloudy days and urged annual skin checks for new or changing moles.
The department also encouraged residents to confirm routine and travel vaccinations before summer trips. Romano said outbreaks have occurred elsewhere in the U.S. and that measles is highly contagious and preventable with the MMR vaccine, which her office provides. She said the health department's immunization clinic accepts Medicaid, TRICARE, private insurance and can serve people without insurance; staff can review travel plans and advise on needed vaccines.
Romano noted the county offers American Red Cross CPR and first-aid training and provided a date for the next local class: "Our next CPR and first aid class that we will be teaching is coming up on September 9," she said.
For more information, Romano said the health department maintains resources on the county website and posts updates on its Instagram page, and that residents may call or visit the clinic on College Street in downtown Jacksonville to ask about clinical services and immunizations.
The comments were delivered during the Onslow County Today segment hosted at the Discovery Garden by Onslow County Cooperative Extension.
