Water Safety Information

In accordance with New York State Education Law § 926, Cato-Meridian Central School District is sharing information with families about drowning prevention, water safety, and safe and healthy swimming.       

   
Stay Close and Pay Attention

• Children should be actively supervised whenever they are in or near water, including pools, bathtubs and natural bodies of water.
• Young children and inexperienced swimmers should remain within arm’s reach of a responsible adult.
• Never allow anyone to swim alone. Choose designated swimming areas supervised by a lifeguard whenever possible.
• Pools should be secured with four-sided fencing and a self-closing, self-latching gate to help prevent unsupervised access.
• Empty buckets, wading pools and other containers immediately after use.

Practice Safe Habits

• Help children develop swimming and water-safety skills. Swimming lessons can reduce risk, but they do not replace adult supervision.
• Wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating or participating in water activities. Inflatable toys and swimming aids are not substitutes for life jackets.
• Check water and weather conditions before swimming and follow all posted rules and lifeguard instructions.
• Never dive into water that is less than 8 feet deep or when the depth and underwater conditions are unknown.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs while swimming, supervising swimmers or operating a boat.

Protect Your Health

• Do not swallow pool, lake or recreational water.
• Shower before and after swimming.
• Stay out of the water when experiencing diarrhea or when you have an open cut or wound.
• Take young children on frequent bathroom breaks and check swim diapers regularly.
• Do not swim in water that appears cloudy, discolored or otherwise unsafe.

Be Prepared for an Emergency

If someone is struggling in the water, call 911 immediately. Whenever possible, assist the person from a safe location using a reaching pole, rope or flotation device rather than entering the water yourself. CPR with rescue breathing and first aid can save a life. Families are encouraged to learn these lifesaving skills.

New York State Water-Safety Resources

Families are encouraged to review the following information developed by the New York State Department of Health:

Drowning Prevention and Water Safety for Children and Teens

Safe and Healthy Swimming

Safe Swimming Tips for Everyone