NEWS RELEASE: DBCH Releases 2017 Drowning Prevention Schedule

NEWS RELEASE: DBCH Releases 2017 Drowning Prevention Schedule

Poughkeepsie, NY … The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) released its 2017 Drowning Prevention Seminars for Lifeguards schedule today. For 27 years, these seminars have been provided for lifeguards and residents to raise their awareness of what a swimmer in the process of drowning looks like.

“Anyone who has a swimming facility, or works at one, should attend these classes to learn life-saving skills to quickly identify when a swimmer is in distress,” said DBCH Commissioner A. K. Vaidian, MD, MPH. “Drowning is not as easily identifiable as it is often portrayed in movies. Drowning most often occurs silently when a distressed swimmer cannot call out for help because they are struggling to breathe.”

These seminars are open to lifeguards and persons who have supervision responsibilities for swimming activities, as well as members of the general public who are interested in increasing their knowledge regarding this important public health concern. All participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded a certificate of attendance.

“Each year, we learn of incidents where our seminar participants were able to identify a swimmer in distress and respond quickly to save a life,” said Dr. Vaidian.

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 DBCH regulations.

Seating for the seminars is limited. To make a reservation, please contact the Department, Monday–Friday from 9AM – 5PM at (845) 486-3480 or by e-mail to HealthInfo@DutchessNY.gov. Facilities interested in setting up a training session for lifeguards or members of a homeowners’ association may also contact the Department.

The Department kindly asks for any requests for information to be directed to the Department and not the seminar sites.

The schedule may also be found in the Department of Behavioral & Community Health’s Online Calendar (List View). VisitDutchessNY.gov/DBCH and select the calendar icon. A printable pdf of the schedule is also available. Please check back often as additional dates may have been added or locations/times changed after publication.

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DUTCHESS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIORAL & COMMUNITY HEALTH
2017 DROWNING PREVENTION SEMINAR SCHEDULE

All seminars are free and open to the public.
Registration is required.
RSVP to (845) 486-3480 at least 2 days prior to the event.
Please do not call the seminar site.

Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 4:30 PM

BARD COLLEGE – Stevenson Athletic Center – Room 1

Campus Road, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504

Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 3:30 PM

ALL SPORT FISHKILL

17 Old Main Street, Fishkill, NY 12524

Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 6:00 PM

TOWN OF UNION VALE – TYMOR PARK

8 Tymor Park Road, Lagrangeville, NY 12540

Friday, May 26, 2017 at 12:00 PM

RED WING PARK

11 Old Farm Road (Off Rt. 82), Hopewell Jct, NY 12533