Keep Cool and Safe Around Water This Summer

NEW CITY, NY, - Summer is here, bringing plenty of fun times spent in and around water. However, drowning can happen quickly and unexpectedly to anyone, anytime near water.  The Rockland County Department of Health urges everyone to follow these important water safety tips to help prevent drowning deaths, injuries, and the long-term disabilities that can result from near-drowning: 

• Learn basic swimming and water safety skills: Everyone should know the basics of swimming.  For swim and water safety lessons, you can contact your town’s recreation department, local swim schools, the American Red Cross, local organizations such as the Rockland County YMCA, JCC Rockland or Rockland Community College, or swim schools. Make sure children learn to swim, but don’t assume they are "drown-proof" just because they have had lessons. There is no replacement for adult supervision. 
• Learn CPR: CPR skills can save lives in the critical minutes before emergency responders arrive. For information on learning CPR call Rockland County Emergency Medical Services at (845) 364-8923.
• Build fences that fully enclose pools: For New York State pool safety requirements, visit https://dos.ny.gov/pool-safety-information. Also, check with your town and village for local regulations.
• Remove all toys from the pool area when the pool is not in use: Toys left in or near pools may attract children when the pool is not in use, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Wear a life jacket: Children should wear life jackets during all activities around natural water (such as lakes, rivers, and oceans), even if they know how to swim. Life jackets are also recommended for weaker swimmers of all ages, both in pools and in natural water, and are essential for boating safety for people of all ages and swimming abilities. Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys - they are not safety devices.
• Supervise closely: Always watch children carefully when they are in or near any water, including bathtubs. Designate a responsible adult to provide constant supervision when children are in or near water and avoid distractions such as cards, books, phones, alcohol, or recreational drugs. After swimming, shut and lock doors that provide access to pools. When visiting other homes or unfamiliar locations, ask about water hazards. Remember, adults should supervise children closely even when lifeguards are present.
• Use the buddy system: Always swim with a buddy and choose swimming locations with lifeguards whenever possible. For backyard pools, keep a cell phone, emergency numbers, first-aid kit, rescue equipment, and CPR instructions nearby.
• Do NOT rent out your backyard residential pool – it is a violation of the law: Rockland County does not permit the rental of private backyard pools.  They are not subject to state and county health regulations that help prevent drowning, injuries, and the spread of recreational water illnesses.  Illegal pool rentals are a growing problem in Rockland County and present a number of safety and health risks to patrons and significant liability to property owners. Illegal pool rentals should be reported to the Rockland County Department of Health and violations are punishable by up to $2,000 per day per violation. 

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more important water safety tips and for information about staying healthy and safe while swimming.

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