As the Summer School Break is About to Begin New Yorkers Should Consider These Safety Tips to Keep Your Children Safe When Near the Water
New State Regulations Make Free Classes Available for Youngsters to Learn How to Swim
Supports Governor Hochul’s Get Off Line, Get Outside Initiative
Watch the Water Safety Video Here
Secretary Mosley: “New York State has launched several initiatives to increase access to swimming instruction and recreational water activities, and the Division of Consumer Protection offers these tips to help parents and children enjoy New York’s pools and beaches while maximizing safety.”
The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing consumers with important water safety tips to support a fun, safe summer. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies drowning as the number one cause of death for children under four years old and the second leading cause of death among children ages five to fourteen, with over 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings every year. New Yorkers should consider implementing a few simple but important safety precautions to limit risks and help ensure a safe experience for young swimmers this summer.
“As the summer is upon us, swimming is one of the most popular family activities during the hot weather season,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “New York State has launched several initiatives to increase access to swimming instruction and recreational water activities, and the Division of Consumer Protection offers these tips to help parents and children enjoy New York’s pools and beaches while maximizing safety.”
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “Nothing says summer in New York like a day at a state park pool, beach, or splash pad with family and friends. As Governor Hochul continues to expand access to safe, affordable swimming opportunities through initiatives like NY SWIMS and our Learn-to-Swim programs, it is important that water safety remains a top priority. Staying alert, closely supervising children, following lifeguard instructions, and learning basic swimming skills can help ensure that every visit to the water is both safe and enjoyable.”
NYS SAFE SWIM INITIATIVES:
Governor Hochul has made safe swimming a priority with the launch of several initiatives across the state. Some of these initiatives include:
- The new "Every Child a Swimmer law," which requires school districts to provide information regarding water safety to parents or guardians upon enrollment of children under the age of eighteen.
- NY SWIMS, a competitive grant program that helps municipalities and nonprofits build, renovate, and modernize public pools, natural swimming areas, and other related aquatic facilities.
- Free Learn-to-Swim Programs at New York State Parks, in partnership with community organizations. State Parks have also partnered with the American Red Cross to double the number of pools offering water safety instruction.
WATER SAFETY TIPS:
- Enroll in Swimming Lessons:Multiple studies show that swimming lessons prevent drowning. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in swimming lessons as early as possible, as even the most basic swimming skills can help keep a child safe in the water. Data from the US Swimming Foundation shows that children in some communities continue to have no or disproportionally low swimming ability. Many municipal pools and community centers offer free or low-cost swimming lessons, and everyone is encouraged to learn how to swim. You can enroll in swimming lessons at several nearby New York State Parks. For the full schedule of times, age groups, and participating locations, check the latest NYS Parks or New York City Parks Learn-to-Swim Schedules or locate year-round classes using the Red Cross Swim Class Finder.
- Use life jackets:All non-swimmers, children under 48” and weak swimmers should wear a life jacket while visiting water park attractions. Bring your own life jacket if you are unsure about the fit of life-jackets available at the park.
- Avoid “water wings” as floatation devices: Never use air-filled or foam swimming aids like “water wings” or other “floaties” in place of life jackets. These are not designed to be used as personal floatation devices and can give parents and children a false sense of security.
- Learn CPR:Every second counts and CPR proficiency can make the difference between life and death in an emergency.
- Choose brightly colored swimsuits:The color of one’s bathing suit can make a difference in visibility. Consider the color of your child’s swimsuit before heading to the water park. For light-bottom pools, neon pink and neon orange tend to be the most visible.
- Designate a Water Watcher: Adult supervision is the number one way to prevent drowning. Never leave a child unattended in or near water and always designate a Water Watcher. This person should not be reading, texting, using a smartphone, drinking alcoholic beverages or otherwise distracted. Gaps in adult supervision are the leading cause of drowning deaths. Many drowning victims are only out of sight for five minutes or less. Remember, lifeguards DO NOT replace adult supervision.
- Keep toddlers and young children in shallow play areas:Many parks have zero-depth entry pools with water games, spray fountains and other attractions appropriate for young children who cannot swim.
- Listen to park staff: Always listen to lifeguards and other park staff for instructions when enjoying attractions.
- Pace yourself: Take frequent breaks if you feel tired from swimming or other activities. Don't take chances by overestimating your swimming skills.
- Stay alert:If you are injured or see any unsafe behavior or conditions, report the issue to an employee and/or lifeguard at the venue immediately.
- Take breaks:Summer temperatures can get very hot, and you can end up walking or standing in the sun more than usual at water parks. Make sure everyone in your group takes breaks when needed and hydrates frequently. Keep track of how much sun exposure children and toddlers get and watch for sunburn and signs of fatigue.
- Identify swimmers in need of help:While we tend to think that swimmers in trouble will be waving their hands and making lots of noise, this may not always be the case. Watch out for people whose heads are low in the water (mouth submerged) or tilted back with mouth open, eyes closed or unable to focus, legs vertical in the water, or who are trying to swim but not making progress. Signal for lifeguards if you notice any swimmer who looks like they need help.
For more information:
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The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook
