Spike In LI Drowning Deaths Sparks Outcry: 'Immeasurable Tragedy'

LONG ISLAND, NY — Fatal drownings in residential and commercial swimming pools have increased in Suffolk County this year compared to the two previous years, according to data from the Suffolk County Police Department Homicide Squad — and lawmakers across Long Island are crying out for change.

There have been 10 fatal drownings in Suffolk County through July 22, according to the department. There were four in 2023 and eight in 2022.

Nassau County has not had as many fatal drownings as Suffolk — there was one reported as of July 25, none in 2023, and four in 2022.

Fatal drownings of children in Suffolk County in recent weeks include a toddler's death in his Islandia home's pool; a 7-year-old boy dying in a Bay Shore home's pool; and a 2-year-old dying less than a week after he was found floating unconscious in a pool in North Haven, police said.

Police have also been called for adult drownings: A 45-year-old West Islip man fatally drowned in his pool; and a 25-year-old Connecticut man died after drowning in a North Babylon residential pool. A Brooklyn man also died in a Wyandanch pool on July 5, police said.

The uptick in drowning deaths in Suffolk County pools has elected officials touting passed legislation, considering further laws — and urging caution and adherence to existing safety guidelines.

Rep. Nick LaLota (R, NY-01) spoke with Patch: "The recent increase in residential pool drownings on Long Island is a tragic reminder of the importance of pool safety. As lawmakers, we must prioritize increased public awareness campaigns to prevent these avoidable tragedies. We can work together to implement measures that better enforce existing safety standards and comprehensive swimming education programs. We must all work together to help protect our communities from such heartbreaking incidents."

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) also weighed in: "The increase in drowning deaths on Long Island and across the state is deeply concerning — especially considering the young age of the majority of drowning victims."

He added: "Each drowning is an immeasurable tragedy for the families and more can, and must, be done to educate our communities on the risks involved with enjoying our pools, beaches and water activities. My heart break for these families and I implore all Long Islanders to take extra precautions when enjoying the final weeks of summer — especially with young children involved."

New York State Assemblyman Keith Brown (R, C - Northport) said the number of fatal drownings on Long Island this summer is "unacceptable."

"While the majority of these terrible accidents occurred in private pools where the state’s lawmaking and regulatory options can be more limited, it is important we address the situation and make the changes we are able to as a state," Brown told Patch.

Brown said he was proud to vote "yes" on a bill in this year's budget to invest in and enhance swimming opportunities in New York. Bill A.8804-D, a capital projects budget legislation, set state funds aside for swimming pool renovations, upgrades and repairs at multiple New York state college campuses.

"With the renovation and installation of more pools, we must also work to put necessary regulations and safety protocols in place at public facilities to make sure children and adults alike stay safe when swimming," Brown said. "Helping members of the community understand pool rules, creating opportunities for swim lessons to take place and ensuring trained lifeguards and CPR-certified pool staff are available at all times is critical."

New Yok State Assemblyman Fred Thiele said legislation was passed in Albany this past session that is curently pending before Gov. Kathy Hochul: Bill A06205A "provides that the department of health may conduct education and outreach programs promoting public awareness of the dangers of fatal and non-fatal drowning."

State Sen. Monica Martinez (D, WF — 4th District) said she is exploring legislation to complement other safety protocols currently in place.

"However, true safety will always rely on children and adults being aware of the risks and consequences of water," Martinez said. "That is why New York included funding for the NY SWIMS initiative in this year's state budget, which will help educate both. Pool safety remains a priority for our state, its residents, and me."

The first round of funding is available from the new $150M NY SWIMS capital grant program, Hochul announced. The funding, secured in the fiscal year 2025 enacted budget, is meant to expand safe swimming opportunities for New Yorkers, address equity gaps and provide resources for communities facing extreme heat. The first application round will make up to $90M available for municipal swimming facility projects in underserved communities across New York State. The remaining NY SWIMS capital funding will be made available during subsequent application periods.

"Drownings in New York State have reached record levels in the last few years, and our kids are particularly vulnerable," Hochul said in a news release. "Through NY SWIMS, we’re making sure that all New Yorkers know how to swim through the largest statewide investment in swimming since the New Deal. We look forward to municipalities taking advantage of this opportunity to create new ways to provide children and their families safe spaces to learn how to swim and prevent childhood drowning."

New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R - 2nd Assembly District) said it's critical to ensure that homeowners have proper protocols in place, including alarms and sliding glass doors. "It's important to understand that this is not a law without purpose," she said.

Giglio said state lawmakers need "to do a better job" and ensure that town recreation departments are able to utilize funding to offer swimming lessons at public pools, such as the Suffolk County Community College pool.

Giglio said, too, that parents need to see the dangers and to ensure someone is watching children at all times.

"Someone has to have responsibility," she said. "If you have a pool you have to be sure everyone knows how to swim, and if not, provide life vests."

Educating parents about the dangers of pool drownings should begin as early as pregnancy, with information about the number of child drowning deaths provided in maternity waiting rooms and at Lamaze classes, Gigliio said.

One idea that's been pitched, Giglio said, is that any short-term rental homes with pools should have brochures about pool safety, stating risks and statistics, and also warning guests not to tamper with pool alarms or alarms on sliding glass doors.

Posters should be visible with CPR instructions, as well as with warnings, urging people at rentals to watch their children, Giglio said. "One child or one person drowning is too much," she said. "And it's preventable. But most people think, 'It's not going to happen to me.'"

State. Sen Mario Mattera (R — 2nd District) said Long Island has had "too many tragic incidents" this year and said it is "crucial" that every Long Islander exercise caution when in or near water while having fun during summer.

"The safety tips provided by the Suffolk County Police Department, County Executive Ed Romaine, and others offer practical advice to help protect everyone and raise awareness of these potential dangers," Mattera said. "Being vigilant and cautious is essential, and I urge everyone to adhere to common-sense safety rules."

In early July, following multiple drownings, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, a Republican, urged parents to follow prevailing safety standards around swimming pools.

Suffolk County even sent out an alert on smartphones, linking to water and pool safety tips.

"Please take some time this season to learn about pool safety," Romaine said. "It could mean the difference between life and death."

The Suffolk County Police Department's water safety tips urge people to

• Never swim alone. Always have a swim buddy or ensure that a life guard is on duty.
• Never leave children unattended when they are in or near water. Always maintain constant supervision of children and ensure they are within reach when they are near water.
• Do not go swimming when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Life vests should always be used by those that are not good swimmers.
• Prepare for emergencies by having a long pole, a life ring with a line and a first aid kit. To obtain a CPR certification, please call 631-853-5800.
• It is recommended that parents enroll their children in swimming programs such as the Swim For Survival program offered by Suffolk County PAL; call 631-852-6109.
• Ten people die from drowning each day in the United States.
• Children between the ages of 1 and 4 years are at the highest risk for drowning.

Homeowners with residential pools were urged by the department to keep lifesaving equipment and first aid kids near the pool. The department said all pools should be surrounded by a fence that is at least 4 feet with an automatic locking gate, which should remain closed while the pool is not being used.

All residential pools installed, constructed or modified after Dec. 14, 2006, must be equipped with an approved pool alarm, according to NYS building codes mandate. Suffolk police recommended all homeowners get a pool alarm.

The department also suggested using caution when using inflatable toys, as they may unexpectedly deflate.

Some day camps across Long Island include swimming as an activity, while swim schools could also be an option for Long Islanders looking to get their children educated in water skill and safety.

Romaine directed residents to statistics on stopdrowingingnow.com that said:

• 88 percent of drownings occur with at least one adult present.
• 3,500 will die as a result of drowning this year.
• Drowning is the No. 1 cause of accidental deaths for children between the ages of 1 to 4 years old.

According to Romaine, to help reduce those numbers, the American Red Cross recommends:

• Always keeping an eye on children in the pool.
• Staying within arm’s reach of younger children.
• Removing the ladder for an above ground pool when not in use.
• Enforcing safety standards, such as no running around the pool; only diving where appropriate; swimming with a buddy; and swimming sober.
• Installing a primary barrier and/or secondary barrier to prevent entry to the pool.

Drowning deaths are a national issue, as approximately 4,500 people drown in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"As incredible as summers on Long Island can be, drowning is a serious issue that needs to be addressed," said Kali Chan, a Stony Brook Medicine spokesperson. "Stony Brook Medicine recently launched this PSA with our Stony Brook Trauma Center and Stony Brook Children’s Hospital experts. This is part of a Stony Brook Medicine campaign on drowning prevention on this important topic."