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Rockland County Health Officials Stress Water Safety, Warn of Risks Tied to Illegal Backyard Pool Rentals

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1 year ago

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NEW CITY, NY — With summer in full swing and families enjoying more time in and around pools, lakes, and other bodies of water, the Rockland County Department of Health is reminding residents that drowning can happen quickly and unexpectedly — to anyone, at any time.

To help prevent drowning deaths, injuries, and long-term disabilities from near-drowning incidents, the Department is urging residents to follow key water safety precautions.

Top Water Safety Tips from the Rockland County Department of Health:

1. Learn Basic Swimming and Water Safety Skills
Everyone should know how to swim. Contact your town’s recreation department, local swim schools, the American Red Cross, Rockland County YMCA, JCC Rockland, or Rockland Community College for swim lessons.

Reminder: No child is “drown-proof,” even after swim lessons. Adult supervision is always required.

2. Learn CPR
CPR can save lives in the critical minutes before emergency responders arrive. For local training, call Rockland County Emergency Medical Services at (845) 364-8923.

3. Enclose Pools with Fencing
All residential pools should be enclosed with barriers that meet New York State safety regulations. Visit https://dos.ny.gov/pool-safety-information and check with your municipality for local codes.

4. Remove Toys from Pool Areas When Not in Use
Toys left near pools may attract children, increasing the risk of accidental falls or drowning.

5. Use Life Jackets
Children and weaker swimmers should always wear life jackets near natural bodies of water. Life jackets are essential for boating safety and should not be replaced by foam or air-filled toys, which are not safety devices.

6. Supervise Closely — Always
Always designate a responsible, undistracted adult to supervise children near water — even with lifeguards present. Avoid distractions like phones, alcohol, or recreational drugs. Lock pool access doors after swimming and always ask about water hazards when visiting other homes.

7. Follow the Buddy System
Never swim alone. Choose locations with lifeguards when possible and keep a cell phone, emergency contacts, CPR instructions, and rescue gear nearby for home pools.

Important Reminder: Backyard Pool Rentals Are Illegal

Renting out residential backyard pools in Rockland County is against the law and poses serious safety and health risks. These pools are not regulated by health authorities, making them unsafe for public use.

Violations are subject to fines of up to $2,000 per day per offense. To report illegal pool rentals, contact the Rockland County Department of Health.

For additional tips and safety information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at cdc.gov.

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

Published

2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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