🛑 Temporary Age-Based Visitor Restrictions 🛑
In response to recent increasing trends of respiratory illness in our community, the following restrictions and guidance go into effect at Noon on Monday, January 5th, for Onslow Memorial Hospital.
About Age-Based Visitor Restrictions

• Applicable to visitors aged 11-years-old and younger.

• These visitors will be prohibited from all inpatient areas and all waiting rooms.

• All visitors with respiratory symptoms are prohibited from these same areas.

• Healthy visitors of any age remain welcome in our lobbies and retail/food locations.

* Discuss special circumstance exceptions with care teams and area leaders.

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Sum­mer Swim­ming Safe­ty Tips from Onslow Memo­r­i­al Hos­pi­tal’s Emer­gency Department

June 03, 2025

As summer approaches and swimming becomes a popular activity for families, Emergency Departments across the United States see more than 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths. While swimming offers significant health and recreational benefits, it also poses serious risks if safety guidelines are ignored. Dr. Terence Kolb, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Onslow Memorial Hospital, shares essential safety tips that every parent, guardian, and swimmer should understand.

Safety Guidelines from the Front Lines

  1. Supervision is Non-Negotiable

Never leave children unattended near water, regardless of their swimming ability. Designate a responsible adult as a "water watcher," whose sole job is to supervise.

  1. Use Size and Age-Appropriate Flotation Devices

Properly fitting life jackets and age-appropriate flotation devices ensure optimal buoyancy, allowing wearers to stay afloat and in the correct position.

  1. Follow Diving Safety Rules

Never dive into shallow or unfamiliar water, as head and spinal injuries can be catastrophic and permanently disabling.

  1. Beach Safety and Tide Flags
  2. Beach flags provide crucial information about water conditions, potential hazards, and safe swimming areas. Understanding flag meanings helps beachgoers make informed decisions about safety.
  3. Respect the Water, Even if You're a Strong Swimmer

Ocean rip currents, murky lakes, and even large pools can be deceptively dangerous. Always swim with a buddy and in designated areas with lifeguards when available.

By taking proactive measures to ensure water safety, you can enjoy the season with peace of mind. From all of us at the Onslow Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.

Stay safe. Stay alert. Make every swim a safe one.

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