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Easton Public Schools Partners with YMCA to Teach Students Water Safety

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Easton Public Schools
Dr. Lisha Cabral, Superintendent
50 Oliver St.
North Easton, MA 02356

For Immediate Release

Monday, Feb. 11, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Easton Public Schools Partners with YMCA to Teach Students Water Safety

EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral is pleased to announce that all Easton Public School second grade students will have the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills this year through the district’s ‘WaterWise’ program with the Old Colony YMCA.

The district’s partnership with the YMCA on the ‘WaterWise’ program began with a pilot of the course that was offered during the 2016 to 2017 school year, where two classes of second grade students from the Center School learned water safety techniques.

During the 2017 to 2018 school year, the program was opened to every second grade student in the district. This year, approximately 220 second graders will complete the program, and attend a weekly class at the YMCA for five weeks.

“It’s crucial for children to learn how to be safe in and around water,” Superintendent Cabral said. “We are so elated to partner with the Old Colony YMCA to teach students these skills. It’s our hope that through this program, many generations of students will learn water safety lessons that will serve them for years to come.”

According to the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) drowning is the second leading cause of accidental deaths in children between the ages of one and 14.

Serah Selmon, executive director of the Old Colony YMCA, said the goal of the WaterWise program is to “drown proof” the community.

“Living in the Bay State, we (both organizations) knew we had a responsibility to keep our community safe,” Selmon said. “Any opportunity to give a child new skills, new lifelong fitness opportunities, better ensure safety and increase access to even more caring adult role models, is a win.”

Students in the program are taught to never get in the water unless they have clearly asked permission from a responsible adult. The course also teaches children “Swim-Float-Swim,” a safety technique where a child will swim, rest, and continue swimming when ready, should they find themselves in a position where they cannot touch the bottom of a body of water with their feet. Additionally, the course teaches students not to enter the water if someone else is in trouble, but instead to throw a floating object or reach out to the person in need of help while lying flat on their stomachs.

The WaterWise program also teaches students boat safety basics, including the importance of wearing a life-jacket.

The YMCA partners with Easton Public Schools in several other ways as well, including the before and after school programs run by the YMCA that are held at all Easton Public Elementary schools.

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Attleboro Fire Department Reminds Residents of Pool Safety Precautions

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Attleboro Fire Department
Chief Scott T. Lachance
100 Union St.,
Attleboro, MA 02703

For Immediate Release

Friday, June 22, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Attleboro Fire Department Reminds Residents of Pool Safety Precautions

ATTLEBORO — Following an Attleboro couple’s viral Facebook video last week, showing their 2-year-old climbing up a supposedly childproof pool ladder, Chief Scott T. Lachance and the Attleboro Fire Department would like to offer residents some pool safety tips.

The video, posted on Friday, June 15, shows the couple’s toddler climbing to the top of a safety gate for their above-ground pool. The gate is meant to prevent kids from gaining access to the pool. As of this morning, the video had over 26 million views.

“Clearly with how many times this video has been viewed online, it is something that has struck a nerve with a lot of people,” Chief Lachance said. “Children of any age should never be left alone or unsupervised near a pool. This video illustrates that point perfectly. As a parent myself, I know young ones always find a way to get into places that they shouldn’t be, so always keep a close eye on them especially near the water.”

The American Red Cross reports that more than 200 children drown in swimming pools each year. Additionally, drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so the Attleboro Fire Department considers pool safety to be a top priority.

Factors to consider when installing a pool include zoning requirements, electrical clearances, utility easements, and contacting your insurance agency as pools require additional liability coverage.

The Attleboro Fire Department reminds residents to follow these safety regulations and recommended precautions:

  • Per Massachusetts regulation, pools should be surrounded by a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and has an access gate that self-closes, locks and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don’t have children).
  • Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use, and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. Pool alarms are required whenever a house door leads directly to a pool deck.
  • Never leave children unattended while they are in or near a pool, and make sure they have an adult to accompany them into the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm flotation devices.
  • Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt.
  • Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors and anyone else who is near or uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
  • Keep your pool or hot tub water clean and clear. Maintain proper chemical levels, circulation and filtration. Regularly test and adjust the chemical levels to minimize the risk of earaches, rashes or more serious diseases.
  • Never use the pool if the chemical levels are not correct, or if the water is cloudy and you can’t see the bottom.
  • Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs. Update skills regularly.
  • Watch the local weather reports and do not swim if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
  • Those who are 21 and older should drink responsibly if they choose to consume alcoholic beverages when by the pool. Overindulging increases the risk for injuries or accidental drowning.
  • Avoid using glass containers by the pool. They could break and leave glass around the pool or in the water.

For a complete listing of Massachusetts building code regulations regarding swimming pools, click here.

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Georgetown Fire Department Provides Water and Grilling Safety Tips for Summer

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Georgetown-MA-Alarm-Installation

Georgetown Fire Department
Fred A. Mitchell Jr., Fire Chief
47 Central Street
Georgetown, MA 01833

For Immediate Release

Monday, May 15, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Georgetown Fire Department Provides Water and Grilling Safety Tips for Summer

GEORGETOWN — With warm weather approaching, Chief Fred Mitchell and the Georgetown Fire Department would like to provide essential safety tips to help residents enjoy the warm summer months safely.

“As temperatures rise, it appears so do injuries from summer activities like grilling or swimming,” Chief Mitchell said. “Most importantly, I want to stress to everyone to keep an eye on children, near the pool and the grill. We want all residents to enjoy their summer but remain cautious while doing so.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (DFS), Massachusetts fire departments responded to 431 fires involving grills, hibachis and barbecues between 2011 and 2015, the most recent statistics available. These fires caused 20 civilian injuries, three firefighter injuries and $3.5 million in property damage.

In order to prevent grilling fires and keep residents safe while cooking outdoors, Georgetown Fire recommends the following tips provided by DFS:

Safety First

  • Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.
  • Place grills away from the house, siding, and deck railings and out from under leaves of overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area.
  • Never leave a burning grill unattended.

Gas Grills

  • Make sure the lid of a gas grill is open when you light it. Propane can build up inside and when ignited, the lid may blow off.
  • Check that all connections are tight before turning on the gas.
  • Clean the grease trap every time you grill.
  • If you smell gas while cooking, turn the grill off and move away from it. Call 911 from a safe location. Do not move the grill.
  • Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area. Cylinders should not be used, stored or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Charcoal Grills

  • Use only charcoal starter fluid. Never use gasoline or kerosene to start a fire in a grill and never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals.
  • Always use charcoal grills in a well-ventilated area. Charcoal briquettes give off carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
  • Properly dispose of grill ashes. Allow the coals to burn out completely and then cool for 48 hours before disposal. If you must dispose of ashes before they are completely cooled, thoroughly soak them in water before putting them in a metal container.

Pools

For those with their own pools, the Georgetown Fire Department suggests that the community follow safety tips outlined by the American Red Cross:

  • Per Massachusetts law, have at least a 4-foot-high barrier that encloses the pool and an access gate that self-closes, locks, and opens outward from the swimming area (even if you don’t have children).
  • Fasten a safety cover over the pool when it is not in use and remove ladders to further prevent access into the pool. For added safety, install a pool alarm that will sound if anyone enters the water.
  • Never leave children unattended while they are near or in a pool they should be accompanied by an adult in the water. Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket or inflatable arm floats.
  • Make sure children stay away from pool drains, pipes, or any other openings to avoid getting trapped or hurt. If a child is missing, always check the pool first.
  • Set safety instructions and share them with family, friends, neighbors, or anyone else who uses the pool. Advise children to stay away from pool deep ends, and to always walk, never run near the pool.
  • Take a CPR course for adults and children to be prepared if an emergency situation occurs.

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Chelmsford Police and Fire Respond to Report of Child Pulled from Pool in Semi-Conscious State

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Chelmsford Police Department
Chief James M. Spinney
2 Olde North Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Chelmsford Police and Fire Respond to Report of Child Pulled from Pool in Semi-Conscious State

CHELMSFORD —  Police Chief James M. Spinney reports that the Chelmsford Police and Fire Departments responded today for a report of a child pulled from a swimming pool.

Multiple police units, fire firefighters, and EMS responded at 2:37 p.m. to a Gorham Street residence after adults on scene, including at least one parent, noticed the boy had drifted under the water and pulled him out. When rescuers arrived, the child was in a semi-conscious state and breathing on his own.

Medical personnel made the decision to transport the child via medical helicopter to a Boston hospital.

This is a breaking news update. Additional information will be released when it becomes available.

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