Connect with us

Government

Ways To Be Safe In The Water This Summer

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks® and Mosquito-Eating Minnows to Residents

Published

on

Protect your home and community from mosquitoes this spring and summer!

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is offering free mosquito control products to residents, including Mosquito Dunks® and fathead minnows, to help reduce the mosquito population and prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.


Mosquito Dunks® – Available by Appointment

What they are: Small, floating “donuts” that release safe bacteria to kill mosquito larvae in standing water.

Who can get them: Rockland County residents for use in unused swimming pools, spas, and other water-holding containers.

How to get them:

  • Pick-up location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building D, Pomona, NY

  • By appointment only – Reserve in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or emailing [email protected]

  • Required: Download and complete the order form from the Mosquito Control Program webpage and bring it with you to your scheduled pickup.


🐟 Fathead Minnows – One-Day Giveaway Event

What they are: Small fish that eat mosquito larvae—up to 200 larvae per day!

Event Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, Building D, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona, NY
Important: Minnows must be released only within Rockland County

How to reserve:

  • Register online via the Mosquito Control Program webpage, or

  • Call 845-364-3173
    Note: The event date and time are subject to change. Signs will be posted to guide attendees to the correct location.


For more information, visit the Rockland County Health Department Mosquito Control Program webpage.

Continue Reading

Government

988: Three Numbers That Can Change a Life

Published

on

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is here for anyone feeling overwhelmed, sad, stressed, or in a mental health crisis. It’s free, private, and available 24/7.

What happens when you contact 988?

  • You’ll talk with a trained counselor who listens and cares.

  • They’ll help you feel supported and work through what you’re going through.

  • You can call, text, or chat—whatever feels best for you.

988 is for everyone.

  • You don’t have to be in a serious emergency.

  • You can reach out for yourself or if you’re worried about a friend or family member.

Sharing 988 can save lives.
Let’s help more people know that support is just three numbers away.
You’re not alone—and no one else has to be either.

Continue Reading

Trending