As part of a new New York State Education Law, school districts are required to provide families with information about drowning prevention, water safety, and safe swimming practices. Water safety starts with awareness, preparation, and supervision.
Families are encouraged to:
- Always provide close, undistracted supervision whenever children are in or around water.
- Enroll children in age-appropriate swimming and water safety lessons.
- Ensure children and inexperienced swimmers wear properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or participating in water activities.
- Dress children in bright-colored swimsuits to improve visibility in the water.
- Follow all posted rules and safety guidelines at pools, beaches, lakes, and other waterfront areas.
- Never swim alone. Always use the buddy system.
- Consider any medical conditions, such as seizure disorders or heart conditions, before participating in water activities.
- Exit the water immediately if thunderstorms or lightning are nearby.
- Teach children to avoid swimming in unsupervised or unfamiliar bodies of water.
- Be prepared for emergencies and know how to contact 911 if immediate assistance is needed.
