Bellone Wishes All Safe Memorial Day Weekend

HAUPPAUGE, NY (May 23, 2014)--Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone wants to ensure we all have a safe Memorial Day weekend and a safe summer. 

“With Memorial Day approaching, people will be headed to our many beaches or to pools,” the County Executive said.  “Common sense and awareness of the dangers will help keep our families out of harm’s way. Suffolk County has taken several steps to reduce dangers around water.”

The Suffolk County Department of Health offers these safety tips regarding pool safety:

• Vigilance-Parents/caregivers should supervise at all times, keeping a constant watch on children.

• Check the pool first if a child is missing.

• Remove towels on the fence and nearby shrubbery that can obstruct view of the pool.

• Maintain a four-sided, perimeter fence with a self-locking gate

• If the house forms one side of the fencing, all doors leading to the pool area must be self-locking.

• Put alarms on doors and pool surface to provide additional safety.

• Provide swimming lessons for all pool users.

• Remember children playing in water tire quickly; insist on rest breaks and watch for signs of fatigue.

•  Explain pool rules - stress safety near water, no running or “horseplay.”

• Familiarize children with water depths and “safe areas” to play.

• Have a responsible person trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

• Post emergency phone numbers near the pool, and keep a phone nearby

• Empty/turn over all kiddie pools and portable pools when not in use.

• Make sure pool safety equipment is operational.

• Store pool chemicals safely, and install a pool safety cover.

• Remove ladders from above ground pools when not in use.

•  Children under four may drown in as little as 1” of water.  The kiddie pool or a pail of water (helping Dad wash the car) may be as dangerous as the backyard pool or the ocean to a toddler.  The bathtub, toilet bowl and hot tub are also potentially dangerous. Never leave a toddler under the age of four alone near these water sources.

• Check state and local building codes for regulations on backyard pool

For a copy of the Health Department’s POOL SAFETY BROCHURE click on this link: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Portals/0/Documents%20and%20Forms/Health%20Services/Seasonal/01-24-12%20Pool%20Safety%20Brochure.pdf

For a copy in Spanish click on this link: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Portals/0/Documents%20and%20Forms/Health%20Services/Seasonal/01-24-12%20Pool%20Safety%20Brochure%20Spanish.pdf

Suffolk County’s Department of Consumer Affairs requires retail stores selling pools to remind customers of a state law mandating pool alarms on pools with a capacity of at least 24 inches of water.

In addition, the County requires that those engaged in the service or maintenance of swimming pools and spas register with the Department of Labor, Licensing & Consumer Affairs. Those who build, install and service swimming pools and spas are still required to maintain a Suffolk County Home Improvement License, demonstrate a minimum of 2 years of experience and provide either APSP's Certified Service Technician, Certified Service Professional or Certified Builder Professional Certificate, depending on work performed.

“As we are about to celebrate Memorial Day and the onset of good weather, I want to make sure that Suffolk County residents are armed with as much information as possible to ensure we all have a safe and enjoyable summer,” said County Executive Bellone.   

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