Keeping children safe around water is a shared responsibility. Whether your child is swimming in a backyard pool, at a lake, on vacation, or participating in aquatic activities, practicing safe water habits can prevent injuries and save lives. Please review the following water safety recommendations with your family.
Always Provide Active Adult Supervision
Children should never be left unattended in or near water, even if they know how to swim. An adult should remain within arm’s reach of young children and maintain constant visual attention. Avoid distractions such as cell phones, reading, or conversations while supervising children around water.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is an important life skill that can reduce the risk of drowning. Consider enrolling your child in age appropriate swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. While swimming lessons improve water competency, they do not eliminate the need for adult supervision.
Wear a Properly Fitted Life Jacket
Children should wear a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever they are boating or participating in water activities where appropriate. Inflatable toys, water wings, and pool noodles are not life-saving devices and should never replace a life jacket.
Follow Pool Safety Rules
Teach children to:
Walk instead of run on pool decks.
Enter the water feet first unless in a designated diving area.
Never push or dunk another swimmer.
Always ask permission before entering the water.
Stay away from drains and pool suction outlets.
Swim with a Buddy
Children and adults should never swim alone. Always swim where a lifeguard is present whenever possible.
Be Aware of Natural Water Hazards
Lakes, rivers, ponds, and oceans present additional risks such as changing weather, currents, cold water temperatures, uneven bottoms, and limited visibility. Follow posted safety signs and only swim in designated swimming areas.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Adults who supervise children around water are encouraged to learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. In an emergency:
Call 911 immediately.
Remove the person from danger only if it can be done safely.
Begin CPR if trained and directed by emergency personnel.
Help Your Family Stay Healthy While Swimming
To help prevent illness:
Shower before entering the pool.
Avoid swallowing pool or lake water.
Stay out of the water if sick with diarrhea.
Take children on regular bathroom breaks.
Apply and reapply sunscreen and encourage frequent hydration during outdoor activities.
Remember
The best protection against drowning is a combination of active adult supervision, swimming skills, water safety education, and the use of appropriate safety equipment.
Working together, families and schools can help children develop safe habits that will last a lifetime.
We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable year around the water.
Additional Links
Current information from the NYS Department of Health is located here:
Translations of this information are available as well.