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Water Safety & Swim Lessons

 

NYDOH_SafeSwimming_3112 (PDF)

 

Water Safety & Drowning Prevention (NY Ed Law § 926)

Effective July 1, 2026, New York State Education Law requires all school districts to provide families with comprehensive resources regarding water safety and drowning prevention. Drowning occurs quickly and silently, and it remains a leading cause of accidental injury for children and teens.

Core Swim Safety Guidelines

  • Active Supervision: Always keep children within arm's reach around water. Lifeguards and life jackets do not replace close adult supervision.

  • Swim Safe: Always swim with a partner at a public beach or pool staffed by lifeguards. Avoid diving into water less than eight feet deep.

  • Stay Healthy: Prevent the spread of waterborne germs by rinsing off before and after swimming and never swallow pool or beach water.

  • Boating Compliance: Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating. Inflatable toys and water wings are not safety devices.

Local Swimming Lessons & Certifications

Families are encouraged to utilize local, age-appropriate swim safety courses and certification programs:

  • YMCA of Buffalo Niagara: Services Niagara and Orleans Counties, frequently partnering with local schools and public facilities to host community water safety programs.

  • Visit the YMCA website https://www.ymcabn.org/swim or call (716) 565-6000.

  • American Red Cross (Western New York Chapter): Offers a comprehensive registry of online water safety coursework and local, in-person certificate swim programs. Visit the American Red Cross website https://www.redcross.org/ or call (716) 886-7500.

Resources & Materials

  • Official State Brochure: Download the complete New York Department of Health Safe Swimming Guide (PDF) for detailed drowning prevention and healthy swimming strategies.

  • Language Translations: In compliance with state law, translated versions of these water safety materials are available upon request in the 12 most common non-English languages spoken in New York State. Please contact your school’s main office or your district's Safety Risk Specialist at safetyrisk@onboces.org to request a translated copy.