A safety message from Central Valley CSD and NYS
As families enjoy the summer months, we encourage everyone to make water safety a priority. Whether your child is swimming in a backyard pool, at a lake, on vacation, or participating in water activities, practicing safe habits can help prevent injuries and save lives. Please take a few moments to review these important water safety reminders with your family.
Always Provide Active Adult Supervision
Children should never be left unattended in or near water, even if they know how to swim. Young children should always remain within arm’s reach of a responsible adult. Avoid distractions such as cell phones, reading, or conversations while supervising children around water.
Learn to Swim
Swimming is an important life skill that helps reduce the risk of drowning. Consider enrolling your child in age-appropriate swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. While swimming lessons improve water skills and confidence, they do not replace the need for active adult supervision.
Wear a Properly Fitted Life Jacket
Children should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever they are boating or participating in water activities where one is recommended. Water wings, inflatable toys, and pool noodles are not life-saving devices and should never be used in place of a properly fitted life jacket.
Follow Pool Safety Rules
Remind children to:
- Walk, never run, around pool decks.
- Enter the water feet first unless in a designated diving area.
- Never push, dunk, or roughhouse with others in the water.
- Always ask permission before entering the water.
- Stay away from drains and pool suction outlets.
- Swim With a Buddy
No one should swim alone. Whenever possible, choose locations where a lifeguard is on duty and always swim with a friend or family member.
Be Aware of Natural Water Hazards
Lakes, rivers, ponds, and other natural bodies of water can present additional risks, including changing weather, currents, cold temperatures, uneven bottoms, and reduced visibility. Follow posted safety signs and swim only in designated areas.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Adults who supervise children around water are encouraged to learn CPR and basic water rescue skills. In an emergency:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Remove the person from danger only if it can be done safely.
- Begin CPR if trained and directed by emergency personnel.
- Help Your Family Stay Healthy While Swimming
To help prevent illness:
- Shower before entering the pool.
- Avoid swallowing pool or lake water.
- Stay out of the water if sick with diarrhea.
- Take young children on regular bathroom breaks.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen and encourage everyone to stay hydrated.
The best protection against drowning is a combination of active adult supervision, swimming skills, water safety education, and the use of appropriate safety equipment.
By working together, families and schools can help children build safe habits that last a lifetime.
We wish all Central Valley families a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer around the water.
Additional Resources
Current information from the New York State Department of Health is available through:
- Safe and Healthy Swimmin
- Safe Swimming Tip Card
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- National Safety Council
- Safe Kids Worldwide
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Translations of these resources are also available.