POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – With the summer swimming season quickly approaching, the Dutchess County Department of Health (DCDOH) is hosting a series of Drowning Prevention Seminars to raise awareness about how to quickly identify a swimmer in distress. These seminars are open to lifeguards, people who have supervision responsibilities for swimming activities, as well as residents interested in protecting loved ones.
“Drowning looks very different in real life than it does in the movies. Knowing the signs of drowning and always staying vigilant helps keep summer fun and safe to enjoy,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “Our Health Department’s annual Drowning Prevention Seminars teach you how to recognize the signs of struggle and help prevent drownings.”
Drowning is often “silent” with very little splashing or cries for help. Distressed swimmers cannot call out for help because they are struggling to breathe. However, there are predictable movement patterns/signs of drowning and DCDOH’s Drowning Prevention Seminars teach people how to identify the patterns of drowning and act quickly to save a drowning swimmer.
The presentation will offer guidance for supervising swimmers, how to identify swimmers in distress, an informative video on drowning victim recognition, and a time to discuss lifeguard duties and responsibilities as they relate to DCDOH regulations. All participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded a certificate of attendance.
2025 Drowning Prevention Seminar dates are as follows:
The schedule can also be found online. Check back often as additional dates may be added or locations/times changed after publication.
Seating for the seminars is limited. To make a reservation, please contact DCDOH, Monday-Friday from 9AM - 5PM, at (845) 486-3404 or by e-mail to ehs@dutchessny.gov. The Department asks that reservations are made at least two days prior to the event. Please direct all information requests to the DCDOH and not the individual seminar sites.
Facilities interested in setting up a training session for lifeguards or members of a homeowners’ association may also contact the Department.
To learn more about the Dutchess County Department of Health, visit dutchessny.gov/health.
