Safe Swimming Tips
- 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 can’t swim.
- Don’t use alcohol or drugs if you plan to swim.
- Don’t dive into water less than eight feet deep or of unknown depth.
- Pay attention to the weather and never swim during storms or 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 drowning may appear to be splashing or waving when they are 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 don’t take the place of close adult supervision. Make sure your pool has a secure enclosure that makes it inaccessible to children.
Stay Healthy
Germs can spread through water. Avoid getting sick by not swallowing water, and 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. Don’t 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 (I-III label) life jacket. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings and floats, should never be used.
For more information visit the New York State Safe and Healthy Swimming page.
Source: New York State Department of Health. (August 2025). Safe Swimming Tip Card. https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3112.pdf