COPIAGUE – As Suffolk residents are ready to hit the beaches, the pools, and the marinas, officials are taking no chances in the department of advice.
“As we prepare for Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start to summer, today’s event is about sharing a simple but critical message: water safety saves lives,” said Babylon Town Councilman Terence McSweeney (D-Babylon). “Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for young children; these tragedies are 100% preventable.”
McSweeney, joined by Deputy Town Supervisor Antonio Martinez (D-Wheatley Heights) recommended “constant, undistracted supervision” whenever children are near water, along with “swimming lessons, properly-fitted life jackets, and CPR training.”
Additionally, bay constables across Suffolk are at the ready to pull over boaters to combat impaired boating.
For Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), water safety begins at home.
“A few years ago, I put a pool in for my grandchildren and I made a rule: no one goes in the pool alone,” said Romaine, flanked by officials at Tanner Park in Copiague on Monday afternoon, adding that water safety doesn’t just apply to children. For those in need of swimming lessons, Romaine recommended reaching out to the Town, the County, or even the American Red Cross to find proper instruction.
Suffolk County Legislators Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), R.J. Renna (R-Lindenhurst), and Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) all carried their own personal anecdotes.
Legislator Renna, who has two young children who have taken swimming lessons, said that pool fencing, if feasible, and a gate/door alarm are a start.
“It’s never safe to assume that somebody else is watching your children in the water,” said Renna, adding that the same precautions taken at home should be taken at a public beach.
“We live on Long Island, one of the most beautiful places in the world, and it’s all about keeping our families safe so that we can enjoy the environment and the world around us,” said Legislator Donnelly, highlighting the importance of the “collaboration” between medical partners and government.
Legislator Richberg stressed that all precautions can go out the window when personal responsibility is eschewed.
“We can have all the lifeguards, all the police, all the public safety folks, all the parks employees, but you as a parent, you as an adult, you in the area are the best first responders,” said Richberg.
Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott said that he’s seen recordings of adults calling 911, but not jumping in the water to save a child for lack of swimming prowess.
“It’s very important for adults to learn how to swim and how to administer CPR,” said Pigott.
Dr. Cornelia Muntean, Director of the Pediatric Emergency Department for Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, went farther than “constant supervision.” She recommended a “dedicated water watcher,” an adult who is “responsible for only watching the children in the water at all times.”
“Phones down, eyes up,” said Muntean (pictured left). “Drowning is fast and silent and only takes a few seconds.” She stressed a fence with a child-proof lock enclosing the pool, toys and items attractive to children being removed from the pool deck, and U.S. Coast Guard-certified life vests only for those who don’t know how to swim.
“If you’re at the beach, watch for signs, swim only in designated areas that have lifeguards.” Additionally, Muntean reminded residents of sudden drop-offs, rip currents, and water conditions.
“Reapply SPF and drink water, even if you’re not thirsty,” said Muntean. “CPR saves lives before EMS arrives. We all enjoy summer, but we all need to be responsible for the safety of our children and our families.”
