Government

Ways To Be Safe In The Water This Summer

Published

3 months ago

July 2, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Summer is here, and with it comes plenty of fun times spent in the water. Unfortunately drowning can happen to anyone in seconds, any time around water.

The Rockland County Department of Health recommends you follow these important tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help prevent drowning deaths, injuries, and the often life-long disabilities from near-drowning:

Learn basic swimming and water safety skills: Everyone should know the basics of swimming. For swim and water safety lessons, you can contact your town’s recreation department, swim schools, the American Red Cross, or places like the Rockland County YMCA, JCC Rockland, or Rockland Community College. Make sure that your children learn how to swim, but don’t consider them “drown-proof” because they’ve had swimming lessons. There is no replacement for adult supervision.
Learn CPR: Your CPR skills could save someone’s life in the time it takes for emergency services to arrive. For information on learning CPR call the County Emergency Medical Services at (845) 364-8923.
Build fences that fully enclose pools: Visit https://dos.ny.gov/pool-safety-information for important information about New York State pool safety requirements. Also check with your town and village.
Remove all toys from the pool area: Toys left in and around the pool might attract children to the pool when the pool is not in use.
Wear a life jacket: Children should wear life jackets for all activities in and around natural water, even if they know how to swim. Life jackets can also be used by weaker swimmers of all ages in and around natural water and swimming pools. They can also reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of all ages and swimming abilities. Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys; these are not safety devices.
Supervise closely: Be on the lookout when kids are in or near water (including bathtubs). Designate a responsible adult to supervise closely and constantly when children are in or near water. Adults watching kids in or near water should avoid distracting activities like playing cards, reading books, talking on the phone, and using alcohol and/or recreational drugs. After swim time is over, shut and lock doors that give access to water. Be proactive and learn about any risks when visiting another home or unfamiliar location. Adults should supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present.
Use the buddy system: Always swim with a buddy and choose swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible. If you have a backyard pool: remember to have a cell phone, emergency numbers, a first-aid kit, rescue equipment, and CPR instructions by the pool.
Do NOT rent backyard residential pools for use or rent your residential pool out for use. These pools are not permitted by the Rockland County Department of Health and are not subject to state and county health regulations that help prevent drowning, injuries, and the spread of recreational water illnesses. Illegal pool rentals are a growing problem in Rockland County and present a number of safety and health risks to patrons and significant liability to property owners. Illegal pool rentals should be reported to the Rockland County Department of Health and violations are punishable of up to $2,000 per day per violation.

Click here for more important water safety tips from the CDC. For information about staying healthy and safe when you swim click here.

Government

Rockland County Legislature Honored Four Local Residents During Its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Published

14 hours ago

October 3, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Legislature honored four local residents during its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Jacquelin Contreras, Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco, Jose Champagne Pedro and Alejandra Silva. All four were awarded the “Distinguished Service Award”.

Jacquelin Contreras grew up in Haverstraw Village, the daughter of Gladys and Bolivar Contreras, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic. She graduated from North Rockland High School and then attended Rockland Community College.

For 19 years, Jacqui has been a dedicated employee of the East Ramapo Central School District. She currently serves as a Senior Clerk Typist and previously spent 14 years as a Discipline Secretary, working with students facing suspensions and other challenges. She believes her work has significantly impacted the lives of at-risk children.

Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco is the daughter of Rafael and Lourdes Vargas, immigrants from the Dominican Republic who made Haverstraw their home. She grew up in Haverstraw Village and graduated from North Rockland High School and St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Sabrina began her public service career while still a senior at STAC, starting as an intern in the State Assembly, then advancing to Legislative Assistant, and finally becoming Chief of Staff in 2001.

In 2004, she was appointed Director of Operations and Constituent Services Assistant for the Town of Clarkstown, serving until 2015. From 2016 to 2022, served as the Confidential Assistant to the Chairman of the Rockland County Legislature. In December of 2022 she was appointed as Commissioner of Jurors for Rockland County by the New York State Unified Court System. She is the first Latina to hold this esteemed position.

Jose Champagne Pedro embodies hard work and resilience, refusing to let his challenging beginnings define him. Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, as one of nine siblings, Champagne moved frequently as a child, eventually spending some time in the Bronx. His family faced numerous challenges, including separation and foster care.

However, Champagne always believed there was a better path. He eventually settled in Haverstraw, where he has been a presence for the past 24 years, exhibiting his entrepreneurial skills and successfully implementing his business ideas. He has operated several stores in the village and organized events, including Reloaded Videos & Games, Champagne’s Collectibles, Champagne’s 2nd Hand, The Corner Store, and perhaps his most famous venture, Ice Is Nice, Oh Yes It Is.

Alejandra Silva is the daughter of immigrant parents from Colombia and Venezuela. She grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens, and has lived in Rockland since 2012. Alejandra graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Hispanic Studies, later earning her Juris Doctor and a Certificate in Law and Public Policy from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is a member of both the New York and Connecticut bars. In June of this year, she was appointed Town Justice in Ramapo, where she addresses misdemeanor prosecutions, violations, infractions, civil actions, and small claims.

Alejandra is the first Latinx person to serve in this role.

Government

Rabies Clinic For Dogs, Cats & Ferrets Shots Are Free October 6th

Published

2 weeks ago

September 17, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Appointments are required.

By law, all cats, dogs and ferrets must be vaccinated. Pets must be healthy and at least 4 months old. Dogs must be on a leash. Cats and ferrets must be leashed or in a carrier.

Shots are free! But a $5 donation per animal will help defray our costs. (please bring exact amount of cash or check payable to Commissioner of Finance) rabies shots (vaccinations) for cats, dogs, and ferrets belonging to Rockland residents on October 6, 2024, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at 50 Sanatorium Rd (in front of Bldg. A) in Pomona.

For more information, visit: https://www.rocklandcountyny.gov/Home/Components/News/News/469/297

To register for an appointment, visit: http://rcklnd.us/rabiesvax or for assistance with appointments and more information, call 845-364-2656. Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

Shots are free! But a $5 donation per animal will help defray our costs. (please bring exact amount of cash or check payable to Commissioner of Finance)

Sponsored by the Rockland County Department of Health