News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local News
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

First responders and medical professionals warn of drowning dangers for children ahead of Memorial Day

Doctors from Good Samaritan Hospital said children should always be supervised in the water and pools must be fenced with child-proof gates.

Mike Smollins

May 18, 2026, 6:12 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

With the temperatures rising on Monday and summer right around the corner, first responders and medical professionals hosted a pediatric drowning prevention event at Tanner Park in Copiague.

Doctors from Good Samaritan Hospital said children should always be supervised in the water and pools must be fenced with child-proof gates.

"We are here to raise awareness about water safety, heat safety, and prevent drownings," said Dr. Cornelia Muntean, of Good Samaritan University Hospital. "It's important for us and for you to enjoy summer but at the same time we need to be safe and we have to keep our children and families safe."

Doctors said heat-related illnesses are also a concern in the summer months and recommended wearing sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.

At the beach, experts say that swimmers should be wary of rip currents, and only swim when lifeguards are present.

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the event served as a reminder that drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death among young children. The event also aimed to educate the public on simple but lifesaving precautions.

More Stories

Top Stories

00:23
Trump

President Donald Trump to visit Hudson Valley this week

02:09
heat alert headlines HV

Heat Alert: Hudson Valley swelters before midweek storms and major cooldown

01:05
WC 9P MON_EV Chargers_ajc_2026-05-18-21-12-54

Irvington EV charging plan sparks pushback from residents

01:28
PLANE INCIDENT

Flight school aircraft overturns after takeoff in West Harrison

02:11
WC 5PM MON_DoorDashShooterClosingCase_ajc_2026-03-23-17-10-24

Shooter of lost DoorDash driver sentenced to 17 years in prison

01:46
WCHVAccusedDogKillerSG001

Opening statements begin in trial of man accused of killing small dog by throwing it into the street

01:41
RTWCHVMVRacistGraffitiJNash430pm_2026-05-18-16-47-22

Racist graffiti found at Mount Vernon school

01:37
RTWCHVRocklandLettersWLoveDCaruso430pm_2026-05-18-16-50-45

Rockland high school students spread kindness through 'Letters with Love'

00:40
0516fatalax_2026-05-16-13-33-46

State troopers identify person killed in 3-vehicle crash on Bear Mountain State Parkway

DEAL REACHED MONITOR copy

LIVE LIRR UPDATES: Deal reached between LIRR unions, MTA

00:17
5182026WCgun_2026-05-18-05-34-20

Man accused of pointing BB gun near elementary school

01:18
blaise ben's fresh

Port Jervis burger joint wins New York’s ‘Best Burger’ title

00:22
5182026CRAWFORDCHILDENDANGER_2026-05-18-05-38-18

Bus aide accused of abusing child with special needs in Crawford

02:02
Screenshot 2026-05-18 070258

Made in the Hudson Valley: Man spends 30-plus years sharing family's Italian culture through Tuscana Pasta Co.

01:50
5182026WCthecost_2026-05-18-08-09-28

The Cost Of: Cars

01:50
0515poughkeepsiedowntown_2026-05-15-18-20-53

Housing, bars and groceries: Poughkeepsie leaders plan to upgrade downtown through coveted state grant

02:15
5182026WCflappy_2026-05-18-07-00-10

Lake Peekskill mother with autism turns to art to cope with cancer diagnosis and inspire others

00:19
5182026RAMAPOCRASH_2026-05-18-05-37-47

Crash sends vehicle onto front lawn of home in Ramapo

01:31
Screenshot 2026-05-18 053939

Historic bath houses reopen at Oakland Beach ahead of holiday and as summer weather arrives

01:50
RTWCHVLorraineHansberryNameCWilkinson4pm_2026-05-17-16-14-50

Lorraine Hansberry Way: Renowned Croton playwright honored with street renaming 

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices