This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Leg. Tom Muratore Promotes Pool Safety

Held press conference to increase awareness before holiday weekend.

Death by drowning is not just a concern when swimming in the ominous waters of the legendary Lake Ronkonkoma.  Drowning can also occur in the seemingly innocuous swimming pools you'll find in the backyards of many Sachem residents.

Caretakers need to realize that drowning is often silent.  Just listening for screams is not enough.

In light of recent tragedies, Suffolk County Leg. Tom Muratore (R-4th District) held a press conference on Wednesday at the pool in Bretton Woods Condominiums in Coram, regarding pool safety guidelines.

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Muratore spearheaded this public intervention due to his concern over there having already been five deaths due to drowning on Long Island this season.

As the festive Fourth of July weekend approaches the Legislator took the opportunity to remind residents about pool safety and what can be done to be "pool smart."

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 260 children die each year in residential swimming pools, while another 3,000 children under the age of five end up in the emergency room because they nearly drowned.  Children who almost drown can face a lifetime of problems caused by impaired brain function.

Leg. Jack Eddington (WF-7th District) was also in attendance.

"Pool education and water safety should be mandated on Long Island," he said.  

He encouraged the community to petition the state to implement this "common sense approach."

Muratore underscored one fundamental pool rule: "It's simple. Don't leave your children alone, not for a minute, not for a second—not ever."

Even if children have been taught to swim, while still a good idea, it is not sufficient cause to leave them unattended in the water.

Muratore said, "Kids are playing and the next thing you know, they're facedown."

The Legislator was joined by Al Olsen, the administrator of Bretton Woods; Craig Pessin of the American Red Cross Coram Chapter; Bob Green, head lifeguard at Bretton Woods; Bob Delagi from the Suffolk County EMS; and Robert McConville, commissioner of the Selden Fire Department.

John Caracciola, Alfredo Varela and world famous DJ and Sachem graduate Vic Latino of the popular local radio station Party 105 were also on hand.  They are donating $15,000 worth of advertising time to play a public service announcement recorded by Muratore to remind families about the imperative nature of pool safety.

The announcement includes instructions such as never leave children unattended in the water, inform babysitters of the need for constant supervision, make sure the pool is completely fenced in, and if the pool alarm goes off check the pool completely.

"There is no substitute for supervision," Muratore said. "Never leave a child alone, if we follow that one rule we'll never have another pool death again. ... Watch your children; watch your neighbors' children."

Call 631-854-9292 for a pool safety brochure, compliments of Muratore.

Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  In the time it could take for help to arrive, your CPR skills could save a life.  To become certified in this lifesaving technique contact Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-853-5800.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?