Huntington, NY - June 22, 2015 - Students at Jefferson Primary School are ready to make a splash this summer after learning about pool safety and drowning prevention through the Suffolk County Legislature’s “Be Pool Smart” poster contest! The annual competition which began in 2007, invites elementary students to raise awareness about the issue by designing a poster that features tips on how to stay safe by the water. On Wednesday, June 17th, Legislator William R. Spencer, M.D. was delighted to personally recognize the 2nd grade students who participated this year.
“This is a fun way to get our youngsters thinking about a very serious and very real safety hazard. Across America, more than 10 people die a day in water related accidents. It is crucial that we bring awareness to this issue as we live in a place surrounded by water, and back yard pools are so common.” said Legislator Spencer.
Taking the top honor as 1st place winner in the 18th Legislative District was Lily Hotine, a student in Ms. Coffey’s class. Lily did a wonderful job of incorporating a variety of relevant safety tips into her illustration, such as: always walking when you’re near the pool; entering the pool feet first; only diving in safe areas; and only swimming if an adult or lifeguard is nearby.
You can learn to “Be Pool Smart” too! The Suffolk County Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services offers the following “Rules for the Pool” to help make the pool a fun and safe place to be this summer:
RULES FOR THE POOL
- Instruct babysitters about potential pool hazards to young children and about the use of protective devices, such as door alarms and latches. Emphasize the need for constant supervision.
- Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool. During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a “designated watcher” to protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns being the “watcher. “When adults become preoccupied, children are at risk.
- If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the surrounding areas.
- Do not allow a young child in the pool without an adult.
- Do not consider young children to be drown-proof because they have had swimming lessons. Children must be watched closely while swimming.
- Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
- Keep rescue equipment by the pool. Be sure a telephone is poolside with emergency numbers posted nearby.
- Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children to the pool.
- Never prop open the gate to a pool barrier.
- The best preventative step one can take to prevent drowning and other related injuries is to take swimming lessons and to learn CPR. By taking lessons, you are not only protecting yourself, but you will be prepared to help if an emergency situation arises. To locate a swimming or safety class in your area, click here.
Pictured: Students from the classes of Ms. Coffey and Ms. Mallow-Rizzo holding their Certificates of Participation with Legislator Spencer (center left), 18th LD contest winner Lily Hotine (center), Ms. Coffey (center right), and Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide (far right).