Pool & Swimming Safety Tips From the Dix Hills Fire Dept.

Swimming pools are great places to spend time together and have fun cooling off.  Sadly, fun in the pool can also turn tragic.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger.”

Further, “For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.”

Backyard pool, public pool, or beach, the Dix Hills Fire Department wants swimming to be a fun and safe experience and offers the following pool safety tips:

■ Never allow children to be alone near a pool or any water source - no exceptions!

■ If you leave the pool area, always take children with you or have a "designated child watcher".

■ While swimming lessons are strongly encouraged for all children, never overestimate your child's abilities or assume they are safe in the water alone.

■ The Town of Huntington has specific permit and fencing requirements for ALL backyard pools.

■ Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water

■ Consider using a surface wave or underwater alarm that alerts you if anyone enters the pool.

■ Keep ladders, chairs, toys and other large object away from pool fences and barriers.

■ Have a portable telephone close by when using a pool, and post the 911 number on the phone.

■ Learn CPR and update those skills regularly.  Even a basic understanding of simple lifesaving techniques can assist you in a pool emergency.

 Don’t become a statistic. Observe these helpful tips.  For additional information on the Dix Hills FD and more safety tips, please visit our website at:

http://www.dixhillsfd.org/

In the event of a fire or medical emergency, dial 911. For non-emergencies and fire department inquiries, call us at 631-499-8836.