water safety

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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Taunton Fire Department Offers Water Safety Tips

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Taunton Fire Department
Timothy J. Bradshaw, Fire Chief
50 School St.
Taunton, MA 02780

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 978-841-9948
Email: [email protected]

Taunton Fire Department Offers Water Safety Tips

TAUNTON – As school gets out and summer vacation begins, Chief Timothy Bradshaw and the Taunton Fire Department would like to remind residents about several important water safety tips.

“As temperatures begin to rise, more residents will be looking to cool off by the water,” Chief Bradshaw said. “We want everyone to have fun, but more importantly, be safe. Children especially should be supervised at all times.”

Lake Sabbatia, the largest lake in Taunton, is located on the southern edge of the Hockomock Swamp and is bordered in part by Watson State Park. Due to the several coves and island, Lake Sabbatia is a popular place for swimmers and boaters alike.

Additionally, Taunton is home to Lake Rico at Massasoit State Park in the eastern part of the city along Middleboro Avenue. Lake Rico is a 166-acre freshwater lake that takes up about nearly a quarter of Massasoit State Park. There are many coves, minor islands, and a few major islands located within the lake. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are allowed. Other lakes in the park include Big Bear Hole Pond, Middle Pond, and Little Bear Hole Pond.

The American Canoe Association offers the following safety tips to kayakers, paddlers, and recreational boaters:

  • Always wear a life jacket. 
  • Children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket in a public body of water at all times.
  • Be a competent swimmer with the ability to handle oneself underwater, moving water, surf or current.
  • Keep the craft under control. Do not enter a rapid unless you are reasonably sure you can navigate it or swim the entire rapid in case you capsize.
  • Keep a lookout for hazards and avoid them. Watch for fog, especially on coastal waters.
  • Know your emotional and physical limitations.
  • Group members need to constantly assess the behavior of others in their group.

Watson Pond State Park is a 10-acre park in Taunton run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. It is operated seasonally and offers swimming but there is no lifeguard on duty. Watson Pond, a small freshwater lake in the park, is connected to Lake Sabbatia. Fishing and non-motorized boating are also permitted.

While at DCR-run reservations, remember:

  • Follow the direction of the park staff at all times.
  • Practice sun safety: always wear sunscreen, seek shaded areas and protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
  • Drinking or possessing alcohol is prohibited.
  • Open fires and grilling are not allowed on the premises.

For those with their own pools, Taunton Fire 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 do not 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, 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 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 is near or 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. Update skills regularly.

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Sudbury Police Provide Water Safety Tips

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Sudbury Police Department Patch

Sudbury Police Department
Scott Nix, Chief of Police
415 Boston Post Road
Sudbury, MA 01776

For Immediate Release

Monday, June 13, 2016

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

Sudbury Police Provide Water Safety Tips

SUDBURY — Chief Scott Nix and the Sudbury Police Department would like to remind community residents to follow water safety tips and take caution near pools this summer.

“This summer, please remember to follow all safety procedures and keep a close eye on children, whether you’re on the river or in your own backyard,” said Chief Nix. “We hope everyone has a safe and happy summer.”

For those with their own pools, Sudbury Police suggest 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 do not 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, 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 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 is near or 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. Update skills regularly.

The Sudbury River, a 41-mile stretch that serves as the town’s eastern border, is a popular spot for outdoor recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

The American Canoe Association offers the following safety tips to kayakers, paddlers, and recreational boaters:

  • Always wear a life jacket. 
  • Children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket in a public body of water at all times.
  • Be a competent swimmer with the ability to handle oneself underwater, moving water, surf or current.Keep the craft under control. Do not enter a rapid unless you are reasonably sure you can navigate it or swim the entire rapid in case you capsize.
  • Keep a lookout for hazards and avoid them. Watch for fog, especially on coastal waters.
  • Know your emotional and physical limitations.
  • Group members need to constantly assess the behavior of others in their group.

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Tyngsborough Police Remind Residents to Follow Water Safety Tips This Summer

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TyngsboroughPD2

Tyngsborough Police Department
Chief Richard D. Howe
20 Westford Road
Tyngsborough, MA 01879

For Immediate Release

Friday, June 10, 2016

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Tyngsborough Police Remind Residents to Follow Water Safety Tips This Summer

TYNGSBOROUGH — As warmer weather approaches, Chief Richard D. Howe would like to remind residents of essential water safety tips while spending time on Lake Mascuppic, Massapoag Pond and the Merrimack River this summer.

“Tyngsborough has many places and opportunities to enjoy the summer outdoors,” Chief Howe said. “We’re asking the community to please remain safe while doing so. Be alert, be aware and watch over children at all times.”

The Merrimack River is a popular boating and kayaking destination during the summer months. Current boating activities on the river include canoeing, kayaking, rowing and power boating. The river provides both quickwater and flatwater experiences for canoeists and kayakers and is one of the largest surface water bodies in the region for power boating. 

Massapoag Pond, located off of Massapoag Road, is also heavily utilized for boating, fishing and swimming.

The American Canoe Association offers the following safety tips to kayakers, paddlers, and recreational boaters:

  • Always wear a life jacket.
  • Children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket in a public body of water at all times.
  • Be a competent swimmer with the ability to handle oneself underwater, moving water, surf or current.
  • Keep the craft under control. Do not enter a rapid unless you are reasonably sure you can navigate it or swim the entire rapid in case you capsize.
  • Keep a lookout for hazards and avoid them. Watch for fog, especially on coastal waters.
  • Know your emotional and physical limitations.
  • Group members need to constantly assess the behavior of others in their group.

Lake Mascuppic, located in Tyngsborough with a Massachusetts state boat ramp in Dracut, is fully recreational with heavy boat traffic in the summer months. The developed waterline is open for swimming and boating. Tyngsborough has issued the following regulations for the Town Beach on Lake Mascuppic:

  • The Town Beach on Lake Mascuppic will be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on both weekdays and weekends.
  • All persons swimming or bathing at the Town Beach should do so at their own risk. No lifeguards are on duty.
  • All children under the age of 17 must be supervised by an adult while on Town Beach.
  • Swimming at the beach shall be confined to areas marked by roped buoys designated by the Parks and Recreation Commission.
  • No boating vessels of any kind are permitted within 200 feet of the beach.
  • Children must be monitored when playing on the beach’s playground equipment.
  • Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

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