At Cellino & Barnes, we believe water safety is very important. Memorial Day weekend is a popular time for many New Yorker's to open their pools for the swimming season and to gather at area waterways. The following safety tips may help keep you and your loved ones safer around the pool and at the beach.

Pool Safety Tips

1. Place a fence or wall around your pool, at least 4 feet high.
2. Keep furniture that could be used for climbing into the pool area away from fences.
3. Don't leave pool toys and floats in the pool. They may attract young children to the water.
4. Make sure ladders are secured and locked or removed from the pool when not in use.
5. Invest in a pool alarm.
6. Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool.
7. Do not allow a young child in the pool without an adult.
8. Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
9. Learn CPR.
10. Keep rescue equipment by the pool, including a telephone.

Beach Safety Tips

1. Learn to swim
2. Swim near a lifeguard
3. Never swim alone
4. Supervise children closely, even when lifeguards are present
5. Don't rely on flotation devices, such as rafts, you may lose them in the water
6. If caught in a rip current, swim sideways until free, don't swim against the current's pull
7. Don't consume alcohol and then go swimming
8. Don't dive into unfamiliar waters go feet first
9. If you are in trouble, call or wave for help
10. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering unfamiliar water.