Dear Parents/Guardians:
In accordance with New York State Education Law, school districts are required to provide families with information about water safety. This information is intended to help families support student safety in and around water.
Please review the linked New York State Department of Health resource, Safe Swimming, which includes important information about:
Drowning Prevention
Families are encouraged to actively supervise children whenever they are in or near water. Young children should remain within arm’s reach of a responsible adult. No one should swim alone, and children and adults should use properly fitted life jackets when boating or participating in activities in or near open water. Families may also wish to consider swimming lessons and CPR training.
Water Safety
Students and families should swim only in safe, designated areas and follow all posted rules, warnings, and lifeguard directions. Families should be aware that pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, and other bodies of water may present different risks, including currents, uneven surfaces, weather-related hazards, and limited visibility.
Safe and Healthy Swimming
Families can help keep swimming areas safe and healthy by encouraging children not to swallow pool, lake, or beach water; taking regular bathroom breaks; washing hands; showering before swimming when possible; and staying out of the water when sick. Parents/guardians should also remind children to use safe behavior in and around water, including walking instead of running near pools and avoiding rough play.
Additional resources and information will be available on the district website. In addition, our Health and Physical Education classes will incorporate important water safety concepts into the curriculum throughout the upcoming school year.
Thank you for partnering with us to support student health and safety.
Sincerely,
Matthew Salamone
Director of Health, Physical Education, & Athletics