Keep kids safe at the pool, beach
Safety experts recommend these ways to improve water safety:
With children under 5, practice "touch supervision," by being within arm's length at all times.
Only 25¢ for 5 months
Safety experts recommend these ways to improve water safety:
With children under 5, practice "touch supervision," by being within arm's length at all times.
Actively supervise children, even if lifeguards are present.
Don't trust a child's well-being to another child.
Check the water first if a child is missing.
Give children and caregivers swimming lessons.
Make sure caregivers know CPR and water rescue techniques.
Around the pool, not just the yard, install fencing at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Have rescue equipment -- life rings, shepherd's hooks, life jackets -- close at hand and know how to use them.
Keep inflatable pools empty and turned upside down when not in use.
Swim only in areas designated for swimming where a lifeguard is on duty.
See the Safe Kids USA water watcher card at safekids.org/assets/docs/safety-basics/safety-tips-by-risk-area/water-watcher-card-1.pdf
Download the brochure from Long Island Drowning Prevention Task Force at nextgenadv.com/lidptf/lidptf.pdf
Sources: Nassau County Police, Safe Kids USA, Long Island Drowning Prevention Task Force, American Red Cross
'I'm going to try to avoid it' A trip to the emergency room in a Long Island hospital now averages nearly 4 hours, data shows. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.