Community Corner

Swim Safely This Summer in Rockland

On hot days like this, many are fanaticizing about getting their swim on to cool off. 

Before you and your family jump in, make sure you are aware of swim safety tips as drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children of all age groups in New York, with children aged 1 through 4 at a heightened risk. 

"Whether it's the backyard or local community pool, a lake, or the beach, the danger of drowning is present whenever families spend time near the water,” said Kathleen M. Henry, the Acting Commissioner of Health for Rockland County, in a press release.

Find out what's happening in Nyack-Piermontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Rockland County Department Health Department is recommending the following tips from the Centers for Disease Control that can keep your family safe from drowning and near-drowning incidents while splashing around this summer.

  • Make sure everyone in the family knows the basics of how to swim. You can call your town’s recreation department or the Rockland County YMCA at (845) 358-0245 or www.rockland ymca.org for information on swimming lessons.
  • Learn life-saving skills like CPR. Call the Rockland County Emergency Medical Services at (845) 364-8923 for information on CPR classes.
  • Make sure your pool is fenced off and be sure that you are following all local and New York State pool safety requirements. For information on the state’s requirements visit www.dos.state.ny.us/DCEA/pools.htm or call (518) 474-4073.
  • Make sure everyone wears life jackets around natural bodies of water, even if the know how to swim. They could even be used for novice swimmers at the pool.
  • Make sure you are alert when children are near water, including the bathtub, and make sure they are closely supervised at all times. Avoid distracting activities like playing cards, reading books, talking on the phone and using alcohol.
  • Have a cordless or cell phone on hand, as well as emergency numbers, a first-aid kit and rescue equipment near your pool, along with CPR instructions.

Here are some more references on swimming safety.

Find out what's happening in Nyack-Piermontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Rockland County Health Department’s Childhood Injury Prevention Program at (845) 364-3865

Happy summer swimming!


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here