Water Safety Information

Beginning July 1, 2026, a new New York State law requires school districts to provide families with information about water safety, drowning prevention and safe and healthy swimming practices.

As part of this requirement, Florida Union Free School District is sharing these resources to help families promote safe behaviors around pools, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. This information is intended to help families understand water-related risks and promote safe practices in, on and around water.

• Always swim with someone else and keep an eye on each other.
• Pay extra attention to your children around water.
• Consider your health. Medical conditions like a seizure disorder or heart condition can put people at greater risk of drowning.
• Avoid water that is greater than chest deep if you can’t swim.
• Don’t use alcohol or drugs if you plan to swim.
• Don’t dive into water less than eight feet deep or of unknown depth.
• Pay attention to the weather and never swim during storms or lightning.
• The safest place to swim is at a public beach or at a pool with lifeguards

Know the Signs of Drowning

Each year, hundreds of New Yorkers drown. It can happen to anyone, anywhere there is water. Drowning occurs quickly and silently. Someone drowning may appear to be splashing or waving while struggling to stay afloat. Reduce your risk. Learn basic swimming skills. Consider taking a CPR class. Rescue breathing, first aid, and calling 911 could save a life.

Keep Kids Safe

Kids and teens have the greatest risk of drowning. Always keep little ones within arm’s reach, even in the shallow end. Lifeguards and life jackets don’t take the place of close adult supervision. Make sure your pool has a secure enclosure that makes it inaccessible to children.

Stay Healthy

Germs can spread through water. Avoid getting sick by not swallowing water and rinsing off before and after you swim. Never swim in cloudy or discolored water. Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea or have open cuts or wounds. Don’t pee or poop in the water. Take children on frequent bathroom breaks.

When Boating

Always follow safe boating practices and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved (I-III label) life jacket. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings and floats, should never be used.

Additional Information

For more information, visit:

New York State Safe and Healthy Swimming page.

Drowning Prevention and Water Safety for Children and Teens page 

Source: New York State Department of Health. (August 2025). Safe Swimming Tip Card. Click here for the source

Families are encouraged to review the water safety information and discuss these important safety practices with their children.