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Safe Swim

A family swimming in a lake

 

Water Safety and Safe Swimming

Beekmantown Central School District shares water safety, drowning prevention, and safe swimming information with all families. New York State Education Law § 926, effective July 1, 2026, requires school districts to provide this information to parents and guardians each year, to provide it to families of new students at the time of enrollment, and to post it on the district website. Students who are 18 or older receive the information directly.

Water is part of everyday life around here, from Lake Champlain to backyard pools. The information below comes from the New York State Department of Health and is worth reading with your children before the season starts.

Tips for Everyone

  • Always swim with someone else and keep an eye on each other.
  • Pay extra attention to your children around water.
  • Consider your health. Medical conditions like a seizure disorder or heart condition can put people at greater risk of drowning.
  • Avoid water that is greater than chest deep if you cannot swim.
  • Do not use alcohol or drugs if you plan to swim.
  • Do not dive into water unless you know it is at least 8 feet deep.
  • Pay attention to the weather. Never swim during a storm or when you see lightning.
  • The safest place to swim is at a public beach or at a pool with lifeguards.

Know the Signs of Drowning

Each year, hundreds of New Yorkers drown. It can happen to anyone, anywhere there is water. Drowning occurs quickly and silently. Someone who is drowning may appear to be splashing or waving when they are actually struggling to stay afloat.

Reduce your risk. Learn basic swimming skills. Consider taking a CPR class. Rescue breathing, first aid, and calling 911 could save a life.

Keep Kids Safe

Kids and teens have the greatest risk of drowning. Always keep little ones within arm's reach, even in the shallow end.

Lifeguards and life jackets do not take the place of close adult supervision. Keep children away from a pool by putting up a strong fence with a locked gate.

Stay Healthy

Germs can spread through water. Avoid getting sick by not swallowing water, and by rinsing off before and after you swim. Never swim in cloudy or discolored water.

Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea, or if you have open cuts or wounds. Do not pee or poop in the water. Take children on frequent bathroom breaks.

When Boating

Always follow safe boating practices and wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket (I to III label). Air filled swimming aids, like water wings and floats, should never be used in place of a life jacket.

Swim Lessons and More Information

Translated Copies

Translated versions of this information are available at no cost in any of the twelve most common languages other than English spoken in New York State. To request a translated copy, contact the District Office at (518) 563-8250.

Printed copies of the New York State Department of Health Safe Swimming tip card are available in the District Office.