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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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Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

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6 days ago

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August 9, 2026

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

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1 week ago

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August 8, 2026

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Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

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