In response to a tragic spike in drownings across Suffolk County communities, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) held a poignant press conference at the Centereach Pool emphasizing the critical importance of swimming pool safety in a “Stop Drowning Now” campaign. Addressing a recent surge of over five drownings within the past month alone, Romaine underscored the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to prevent further tragedies during the summer season.
Standing alongside local officials, including Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst), Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Town Councilman Neil Manzella (R-Selden), Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (FRES) Commissioner Rudy Sunderman, Deputy Police Commissioner Belinda Groneman, and representatives from community EMS/fire departments and safety organizations, Romaine expressed deep concern over the recent incidents, which have cast a shadow over what should be a time of enjoyment and relaxation for families.
“In the last three days we’ve had three pool deaths on Long Island,” Romaine stated solemnly. “In the last month we’ve had over five pool deaths, all of which in most cases could have been avoided with a focus on safety. No one that has a pool should allow anyone to go in that pool alone if there is no one watching them. Things can happen in a matter of a few seconds”.
According to statistics shared during the press conference, drownings remain a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among children and young adults. Factors contributing to these tragedies often include inadequate supervision, lack of proper barriers around pools, and a failure to follow basic safety protocols.
Town Councilman Neil Manzella remarked, “Pool safety is very serious. As a father of two young children, I know that parties are as much work as they are fun. You have to constantly keep an eye out there, you’ve got to watch the pools, it’s not something that should be taken lightly. Here at the Centereach Pool, we have an absolute top-notch lifeguard staff here and we encourage everyone to come on down to have a safe outlet to come and use the pool”.
To address these concerns and promote proactive safety measures, Romaine, other officials and safety experts outlined key tips for families and pool owners including constant supervision by designating a responsible adult to actively always supervise children and swimmers. Avoiding distractions such as cell phones or socializing can divert attention away from pool monitoring. Swimming lessons for children and even adults can ensure they have basic water safety skills. Pool barriers such as fences with self-closing and self-latching gates around the pool area can restrict access when the pool is not in use. Teaching children to ask permission to use the pool and even encouraging adults to never swim alone can set good examples to promote pool safety. Educating family members and guests about pool safety rules, including no running or diving in shallow areas, and the importance of respecting water depth and boundaries can serve as ground rules for any summer party. CPR can be crucial in emergencies, along with calling 911.
The elected officials highlighted the role of community initiatives and partnerships in promoting water safety. Local organizations and recreational facilities were encouraged to participate in awareness campaigns and distribute educational materials to raise awareness about drowning prevention. They acknowledged the increase of drownings over the past fifteen years by the CDC for children under four years old and individuals over sixty-five years old.
Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Chair of the Health Committee, encouraged residents to be safe.
“No family is immune to childhood drowning; it takes an instant,” said Kennedy. “No cell phone, tablet, or laptop holds priority over having the full, consistent attention of an adult to a child, in or near the water”.
Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy reiterated Suffolk County Executive Romaine’s sentiments and added, “Eyes on the swimmers and concentrate. If you have to get up find, somebody else to come on and be the responsible party. It happens way too fast.”
In closing, Romaine expressed his commitment to supporting ongoing efforts to enhance swimming pool safety protocols and urged residents to remain vigilant throughout the summer season. He encouraged anyone who wanted to take CPR classes to call the county at 631-852-5080 to get necessary information on when these classes will be held reiterating that it can save lives.
As Suffolk County continues to grapple with the aftermath of recent drownings, the message from the press conference resonates clear; prioritizing swimming pool safety is not just a recommendation but a responsibility that can save lives and preserve the joy of summer for all.
