Dear Dover Union Free School District Families,

The safety and well-being of our students extends beyond the classroom and into every aspect of their lives. Although summer is over, we wanted to remind families of the importance of water safety. This state-wide initiative is intended to help increase awareness and reduce preventable water-related injuries and tragedies.

While we encourage everyone to enjoy the many recreational opportunities, we also encourage families to keep these important safety practices in mind:

·         Never leave children unattended in or near water, even for a moment.

·         Ensure children are always supervised by a responsible adult when swimming or participating in water activities.

·         Encouraging swimmers of all ages to learn basic water safety skills and consider enrolling in swimming lessons.

·         Wear property fitting, U.S. Coast Guard –approved life jackets when boating or participating in water activities where appropriate.

·         Learn CPR and be prepared to respond in the event of a water emergency.

·         Follow all posted safety rules at pools, beaches, lakes and other recreational water areas.

The New York State Department of Health has developed a “Safe Swimming Tips for Everyone” resource that provides additional information and practical guidance for families. We encourage you to review these tips and discuss water safety with your children throughout the year.

Our district will also make this information available on our website, where families can access these resources throughout the year.

Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our students safe. Together, we can promote health habits and ensure that every child has a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience around the water.