Nassau County - Long Island, New York

June 6, 2013

County Executive Mangano and Health Commissioner Eisenstein Offer Water Safety Tips

 

Mineola, NY - With the start of the summer swimming season, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein today released the following water safety tips to help residents and visitors stay safe this summer.  Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths in children of all age groups, with nearly 33 children ages birth to 19 years dying each year in New York State. Children aged one through four years are especially at risk, with 12 deaths coming from this age group alone. Near drowning incidents in NYS often result in lifelong medical conditions.

 “As we enjoy the warm days ahead, I wish all of our residents and visitors a healthy, fun-filled summer,” said Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano.  “Please keep safety in mind when enjoying water-related activities.”

 Nassau County Department of Health offers the following water safety tips:

 

  • Fence It Off.  Install a four-sided isolation fence which completely isolates the pool from the house and yard.  Install a pool alarm and always lock gates and remove ladders when the pool is not in use.  Clear the pool and deck area of toys, tables and chairs after use.  The presence of these items may encourage children to enter the pool area unsupervised or lean over the pool and potentially fall in.
  • Supervise When in or Around Water. Designate a ‘water watcher’ – a supervisor whose sole responsibility is to constantly observe children in or near the water.
  • Use the Buddy System. Always swim with a buddy and always swim at sites that have lifeguards on duty. Obey all posted signs.
  • Be Alcohol-free. Do not drink alcohol while swimming or supervising children who are swimming.
  • Learn life-saving skills. Everyone should know the basics of swimming (floating, moving through the water) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Do not use air-filled or foam toys. Do not use air-filled or foam toys, such as “water wings”, “noodles”, or inner-tubes, in place of life jackets (personal flotation devices). These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe.

In addition to these safety tips, homeowners must consult with their municipality for all local laws, ordinances, codes and regulations pertaining to backyard swimming pools. 

For additional information on childhood drowning prevention, visit the Nassau County Department of Health web site at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/cfrteam.html

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