As Suffolk County sees a rise in the number of deaths from swimming pool drownings, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine urges parents to follow prevailing safety standards around swimming pools.

“Please take some time this season to learn about pool safety,” said Romaine. “It could mean the difference between life and death.”

According to stopdrowingingnow.com:

• 88% of drownings occur with at least one adult present.
• 3,500 will die as a result of drowning this year.
• Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental deaths for children between the ages of 1-4 years old.

To help reduce these numbers the American Red Cross recommends:

• always keep an eye on children in the pool.
• staying within arm’s reach of younger children.
• Installing a primary barrier and/or secondary barrier to prevent entry to the pool.
• removing the ladder for an above ground pool when not in use.
• enforcing safety standards:
  • No running around the pool.
  • Only dive where appropriate.
  • Swim with a buddy.
  • Swim sober.

Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey (LD-14): “As has been said, ‘If everyone is watching the kids in the pool, nobody is watching.’ By focusing our attention, by designating someone as the watcher, these tragic drownings can be avoided.  There is simply so much that can be done to prevent these deaths from happening.”

Legislator Leslie Kennedy (LD-12): “No family is immune to childhood drowning. It takes an instant! No cellphone, tablet, or laptop holds priority over having the full, consistent attention of an adult to the child, in or near the water.”

Legislator Nick Caracappa (LD-4): “With the summer upon us, swimming is an eagerly anticipated part of the season. Whether in a pool or in our waterways, safety is the key to enjoyment and creating moments and memories. Always designate someone to be in charge of watching and observing friends and loved ones in the water. Cellphones down and eyes open! Let’s keep this summer to creating memories and prevent creating memorials.”

Legislator Dominick Thorne (LD-7): “The best first response to any emergency is prevention.  Having a plan to deal with emergencies is critical. While our Fire, EMS, and police professionals are quick to respond, prevention is the best way to avoid accidental death.”

Suffolk County provides CPR lessons to those interested. Please contact (631) 852-5080 for more information.