DOS
June 29, 2022
|
|
New York State Division of Consumer Protection & New York State Parks Remind New Yorkers About the Importance of Water Safety |
|
Summertime Brings Water Activities for Families and Safety Remains a Priority Secretary Robert Rodriguez Offers Tips for Basic Water Safety to Help Prevent Water Accidents Video Here:
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) remind parents and guardians of the importance of year-round water safety. As the hot weather sets in, many families head to swimming pools, beaches and lakes, but it is imperative to pay special attention to these safety tips to prevent accidents. The Division of Consumer Protection is encouraging parents to enroll their children in swimming lessons, as Even the most basic swimming skills can help keep a child safe in the water. In addition, recent 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. Lifeguards are vital in protecting millions of swimmers at New York State Park beaches and pools each year. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a pay increase for State Park lifeguards, which is helping address lifeguard shortages to protect New Yorkers enjoying summer by the water, and to ensure the Parks remain open and safe. “As the summer heat arrives, the first thing that comes to mind for many families is to cool off by the water, but we must be cautious for our children’s safety,” said New York State Secretary of State, Robert J. Rodriguez, who oversees the New York Division of Consumer Protection. “Vigilant adult supervision is critical to safeguard children when they are near the water, and especially in unattended areas. Basic swimming lessons can save lives, and I urge all New Yorkers to follow these recommendations to ensure summertime is safe and fun for all.” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “New York State’s pools and beaches offer great opportunities to cool off during hot summer days. Our park staff and lifeguards work hard to keep our visitors safe. Please follow the direction of lifeguards and staff and to adhere to park regulations keep you, your family and fellow park visitors safe as you swim in New York State parks. “It’s so important that parents, guardians, those supervising, and everyone else be as attentive as possible when young children are in or near the water,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. “Never leave children unattended in or around swimming pools, beaches, or any bodies of water, as it only takes a few seconds for a child to drown or be seriously injured. This summer—with many children behind on swim instruction because of the pandemic—we urge adults to pay close attention to their children while swimming, and to ensure they receive appropriate instruction if possible. Taking these swim safety precautions will help your family stay safe this summer.” Safety tips for ALL bodies of water:
Open water safety:
Pool safety:
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist, and empower the State’s consumers. You may contact The Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220 on Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays. You may also file a consumer complaint any time at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer
###
|
|
###
|