Water Safety

Dear Families,

As we prioritize the well-being of our students, we want to share essential information regarding water safety and a new state requirement designed to protect our children. Starting with the 2026–27 school year, all school districts are required to provide families with resources on drowning prevention and safe swimming practices. This initiative aims to address the alarming rate of drowning, which remains a leading cause of accidental death among young children.

Essential Water Safety Tips:

To help keep your family safe, please review these key safety practices:

Supervision is Key: Always keep children within arm’s reach when they are near water, even in the shallow end. Lifeguards and life jackets are not substitutes for close adult supervision.

Buddy System: Never swim alone; always swim with a partner and keep an eye on each other.

Safe Diving: Do not dive into water that is less than eight feet deep or of unknown depth.

Know the Environment: Only swim at public beaches or pools where lifeguards are present, and always check the weather for potential storms or lightning before entering the water.

Boating Safety: When on a boat, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Health Precautions: To avoid getting sick, do not swallow water and rinse off before and after swimming.

An information sheet has been attached for your convenience. In addition, more comprehensive information and resources can be found on the New York State Department of Health website at: Department of Health Website. By working together and staying informed, we can ensure our students enjoy the water safely.

Sincerely,

Lauren Moreno, Ed.D.