As families enjoy pools, lakes, rivers, and other water activities this summer, it's important to make water safety a top priority. A few simple precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable season.
The New York State Education Department encourages schools to share water safety information with families as part of recreational safety education. New York's lakes, rivers, pools, and other waterways offer many opportunities for recreation, but they also present potential safety risks.
Families are encouraged to discuss water safety with their children, including:
Always swim with active adult supervision.
Wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when appropriate.
Learn basic swimming and water safety skills.
Stay aware of changing water and weather conditions.
Know what to do in an emergency and call 911 if needed.
Working together, schools and families can help children develop safe habits and enjoy a fun, safe summer around the water.
Summer Water Safety Checklist
Active Supervision
Always designate an adult as the official "Water Watcher" whenever children are swimming. This person should focus solely on watching the water—without distractions such as phones, reading, or conversations.
Secure Pool Barriers
Home swimming pools should be enclosed by a four-sided fence at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Remove pool toys from the water when not in use so children are not tempted to reach for them.
Life Jacket Safety
Use only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets that fit your child's current weight and size. Remember, inflatable arm bands, pool noodles, and rafts are toys—not life-saving devices.
Build Water Competency
Enroll children in age-appropriate swimming lessons taught by certified instructors. Children should learn basic water survival skills, including:
Entering deep water safely
Returning to the surface
Floating on their back
Exiting the pool independently
Be Prepared
Keep a water safety kit nearby that includes:
First aid kit
Reaching pole
Charged cell phone to call 911
Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to maintain current CPR certification.
Water & Ice Safety
Although summer is our focus, it's never too early to remember safe practices for winter recreation.
Never allow children on ice unless it has been confirmed to be
at least 4 inches of clear, blue ice
.
White or opaque ice is only half as strong and should be
at least 8 inches thick
before walking on it.
Dress children in multiple lightweight layers during cold weather.
Monitor wind chills carefully, as young children are more susceptible to frostbite.
Stay away from docks and areas with
"bubblers" (de-icers)
, which create dangerously thin ice.
Local Swimming & Water Safety Resources
Several local organizations offer affordable swim lessons, water safety education, and financial assistance.
YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley
Oneida Branch
701 Seneca Street, Oneida
(315) 363-7788
Rome Branch
301 W. Bloomfield Street, Rome
(315) 336-3500
YMCA of Central New York
Offers youth swim lessons, water competency assessments, and scholarship opportunities through participating branches.
Community Resources
Oneida County Youth Bureau
Summer recreation programs and swimming opportunities
(315) 798-5027
Finding Swim Lessons
Families looking to enroll children in swimming lessons are encouraged to:
Contact the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley or YMCA of Central New York about seasonal classes and financial assistance.
Watch for programs offered through local recreation departments and the Oneida County Youth Bureau.
Use the American Red Cross
Find a Class
tool to locate certified Water Safety Instructors (WSIs) in your area.
Together, we can help ensure every child has the skills and knowledge needed to stay safe around water this summer. Have a fun, safe, and enjoyable season!