'Every drowning is a tragedy.' Suffolk sees spike in water emergencies and drowning deaths
Suffolk officials say there have been 10 drowning deaths in the county so far this year.
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Suffolk County officials say they are sounding the alarm about water safety again following alarming numbers in water emergencies and drownings
Officials say there have been 10 drowning deaths in Suffolk County so far this year.
Officials also say there have been 88 water rescue calls, up from 64 calls at this time last year.
"Every drowning is a tragedy that leaves the families, friends, and the entire communities forever changed," says Fire Rescue Emergency Services (FRES) Commissioner Rudolph Sunderman.
Officials have been sounding the alarm about water safety all summer.
They say kids need to be watched at all times.
"Always designate a responsible adult to watch you, put down your phone. Don't allow for distractions," says Sunderman.
Parents like Julieann Williams, of Bellport, say those water safety rules are personal and important as her son once had a close call in the water.
"Adults actually pulled him out. It was very quick. He went under without backup. But even in that situation, it's very scary," says Williams.
Officials say Williams' approach to water safety is exactly what every parent should do.
"I always have my eyes on him and that's why I don't read my books here," says Williams. "He's not allowed to go on pool unless I'm watching him or one of his aunts and uncles is in with him."
Officials say these rules don't just apply to kids and water safety also applies to adults.
"You're never too old to learn how to swim," says Sunderman.
Officials say several local programs offer affordable swimming lessons.
"We also have the aquatic center in mastic, where the town offers low-cost indoor swimming lessons, that we asked everybody to take advantage of," says Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico.
Officials also advise you to swim near a lifeguard when you are in open water at our beaches.
