YAPHANK, NY — Suffolk County received 114 drowning calls, resulting in 14 deaths so far in 2026, the county's Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services said.
During one recent weekend at Smith Point County Park lifeguards rescued 50 swimmers alone, according to the agency.
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County officials are encouraging all residents and vacationers to please consider the following swimming safety tips.
FRES Commissioner Rudolph Sunderman said, "Not all accidents are preventable, but there are certainly a number of things we can all do to be as safe as possible when we or our children are swimming."
General Safety Swimming Guidelines:
- If you believe someone is in distress, call 911 and/or alert the nearest lifeguard. Be sure to listen closely and follow Emergency Services Dispatcher instructions.
- Never swim alone, and never let a child swim alone no matter how strong of a swimmer they may be. Purchase your child a brightly colored bathing suit, as they are easier to see in the pool, especially when a child is underwater.
- Do not leave a child unattended in or near water, including but not limited to pools, beaches, boats, and tubs. Designate a competent adult that knows how to swim to serve as the "water watcher" to supervise all swimmers.
- This person should not be distracted, put down the phone. It is crucial to designate one individual. Make sure that if someone is going to go swimming, they have had lessons.
- No one is too old to learn how to swim.
- Learn hands-only Cardiopulmonary rescusicitation. For lessons contact your local Fire or Emergency Medical Services Agency or reach out to Suffolk EMS at 631-852-5080.
- People should act responsibly in and around the water and not engage in rough housing, or horseplay.
- Do not use alcohol or drugs when you are swimming or are responsible for those who are swimming.
- Never dive into water without knowing the depth of the water.
- Never leave a child unattended in a yard with a pool or near the water's edge.
- Observe compliance with local ordinances regarding fencing, gates and pool and door alarms.
- Never rely on air-filled or foam toys to keep a person afloat.
- If you own a pool you need to own a pool alarm capable of detecting a child entering the water at any point on the surface of the pool.
- Only swim in public pools during hours of operation when there is a lifeguard on duty.
- Listen to the guidance of the lifeguards and know and obey the pool rules.
- Do not dive into pools unless the pool is designated for diving.
- Only swim at public beaches, in areas that are designated and marked safe for swimming during hours of operation and when there is a lifeguard on duty.
- Never swim after dark. If the lifeguards are not on duty, you should not be in the water. Beware of rip currents.
- Never swim during thunderstorms or severe weather conditions.
- For additional information on pool and beach safety please visit these resources, click here.