Important Information Regarding New York State Water Safety Education (Section 926)
As we begin the new school year, the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority—both inside the classroom and out in our community. In compliance with New York State Education Law Section 926, the Harpursville Central School District is providing all families with essential resources regarding drowning prevention, water safety, and safe swimming practices.
Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for children, but it is entirely preventable. Please take a few moments to review the critical safety principles outlined below with your children.
Core Water Safety Principles
Constant Supervision: Never leave a child unattended around water, including residential pools, inflatable pools, or bathtubs. Drowning can occur silently and in as little as two inches of water.
Designated Water Watchers: Assign a sober, focused adult to actively watch children in the water. This adult should avoid distractions like smartphones, reading, or socializing.
Swim in Designated Areas: Choose public swimming locations that are monitored by certified lifeguards whenever possible.
Lifeguards Do Not Replace Parents: Even if a public area has a certified lifeguard on duty, parents and guardians must maintain active supervision.
The Buddy System: Never swim alone. Always swim with a partner so someone is immediately available to call for help if an emergency occurs.
Know Your Limits: Avoid deep water or heavy currents if you or your children are not strong swimmers.
Look Before You Leap: Check the depth of the water and scan for hidden obstructions, rocks, or debris before jumping or diving.
Pool Fencing: Ensure home swimming pools are secured with a four-sided, self-closing, and self-latching fence that isolates the pool from the house.
Avoid Water Wings & Pool Toys as Safety Devices: Only rely on properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for weak swimmers or when boating. Inflatable water wings and tubes do not prevent drowning.
Additional State & Community Resources
Please review the official New York State Department of Health Drowning Prevention Portal.
We also highly encourage our families to take advantage of professional swimming lessons and certified safe swimming environments located right here in our region:
Free Regional Swimming Lessons (NY SWIMS Initiative): Thanks to New York State's expanded safety program, free learn-to-swim lessons for children are available locally. You can enroll through the YMCA of Broome County (Binghamton Branch), Norwich Family YMCA, or check availability for community aquatics programs at Binghamton University.
Swim Only at Lifeguarded Facilities: Avoid swimming in unsupervised local creeks, rivers, or private ponds. For outdoor recreation, choose state parks with certified lifeguards on duty, such as Nathaniel Cole State Park or Chenango Valley State Park.
Emergency Training: Consider enrolling family members in CPR and water safety training. You can find local classes through the American Red Cross (Eastern New York Chapter).
The full text of this water safety guide and additional resource links are permanently hosted on our district website at Harpursville Central School District - Families. If you require this information in an alternative language or need a printed copy, please contact the main office.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our Harpursville students safe.