Water Safety
Water Safety for our Community
Education Law section 926, effective July 1, 2026, requires school districts to provide electronic or written information on water safety to parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year. Additionally, the school district must publish this information on its website. The NYS Department of Health has provided school district with swim tips regarding:
- Drowning Prevention
- Water Safety
- Safe and Healthy Swimming
Safe Swimming Tips
- Always swim with someone else and keep an eye on each other.
- Pay extra attention to your children around water.
- Make sure to consider your own health. Medical conditions such as a seizure disorder or heart condition can put people at greater risk of drowning.
- If you can’t swim, avoid water that is greater than chest deep.
- Learn to swim by participating in PE class and see our Community Ed opportunities.
- Do not use alcohol or drugs if you plan to swim.
- Never dive into water less than 8 feet deep or of unknown depth.
- Be aware of the weather; never swim during storms or lightning.
- The safest place to swim is at a public beach or at a pool with lifeguards.
Know the Signs of Drowning
Each year, hundreds of New Yorkers drown. It can happen to anyone. Drowning occurs quickly and silently. Someone drowning may appear to be splashing or waving when they are struggling to stay afloat. Reduce your risk by learning basic swimming skills. Consider taking a CPR class. Knowing this could save a life and remember to call 911.
Keep Children Safe
Small children and teens are at the greatest risk of drowning. Even in shallow water, always keep little ones within arm’s reach, especially if you are in a body of water with waves or currents. Lifeguards and life jackets don’t take the place of close adult supervision. If swimming in a pool, make sure it has a secure enclosure that makes it inaccessible to children.
Stay Healthy
Did you know that germs can spread through water? Avoid getting sick by not swallowing water. You should also rinse off before and after you swim. Never swim in cloudy or discolored water. Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea, or if you have open cuts or wounds. Cuts should be covered.
Take children on frequent bathroom breaks while swimming.
Boating Safety
Always follow safe boating practices and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved (I-III label) life jacket. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings and floats, are not sufficient and should never be used in place of a life jacket.
Below are resources for swim classes and water safety information: