Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team And PS/IS 217 PTA Partner Up To Offer Water Safety Tips For Local Students

The Roosevelt Island Marlins Swim Team report:

The Roosevelt Island PS/IS 217 PTA and Roosevelt Island Swim Team partnered up to support NYC Department of Education summer Water Safety initiative. The Marlins hosted three free water safety skills practices at the Sportspark Pool for our neighborhood school's students in June.

For those of you who couldn't attend the classes, here are some tips on how to stay safe:

NYC DOE: "New York City beaches opened on Saturday, May 28, for the summer season, and City pools will open on June 29. The safety of our students is our top priority and we want everyone to stay safe near and in the water. Below are Top 10 Tips to Be Water Safe:

1. Lifeguards Keep Us Safe
Lifeguards are there for your protection, so only swim where lifeguards are present, follow directions, and always swim with a buddy, friend, or parent.

2. Learn to Swim
It’s never too early —or too late— to learn to swim! Learn about free and low-cost swim lessons by visiting the Learn to Swim page (http://nyc.gov/parks/learntoswim) or call 311 for more information.

3. Never Leave Children Unattended
Teach children the importance of water safety and stay within arm’s reach while swimming. Never leave children unattended near water, even when lifeguards are present.

4. Obey All Posted Signs and Flags
Read all signs and follow the directions of lifeguards. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas and never allowed when a red flag is posted at the beach.

5. Watch for Dangerous Waves and Rip Currents
If you are caught in a rip current, do not panic. Rather, remain calm and begin to swim parallel to shore. Once away from the force of the rip current, swim back to the beach. Do not attempt to swim directly against a rip current – even a strong swimmer can become exhausted quickly.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and in the vicinity of structures such as jetties and piers. All beachgoers should only swim in areas monitored by lifeguards, closely heed the instructions of lifeguards, and pay attention to any flags and posted signs. To learn more about rip currents, read safety tips and information provided by the National Weather Service (http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/).

6. Stay Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings
Be careful not to swim tired, cold, or far from safety, and never use alcohol while swimming, boating, or supervising children near water.

7. Wear a Life Jacket when Boating
Even expert swimmers should wear a life jacket while boating. Never use air-filled or foam beach toys instead of a life jacket.

8. Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks
Never go wading unless swimming is permitted and be cautious of deep water. The first time you enter the water, ease in or walk in — do not jump or dive.

9. Be Safe in the Sun
When at the beach, pool, or park this summer, wear sun screen, drink plenty of fluids, and wear light and loose-fitting clothing to stay cool.

10. Know Before You Go
Check weather conditions and get real-time beach opening and water quality information by visiting the Health Department’s Beaches page (http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/environmental/beach.shtml) or call 311."

Thank you!