Northwell/South Shore University Hospital Spotlights Swim Safety

South Shore University Hospital used a hands-on demonstration to deliver a lifesaving message ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day: drowning is often silent, happens in seconds, and is largely preventable through proper supervision and water safety practices.

Hospital officials hosted a media event at its Bay Shore campus featuring side-by-side demonstrations in both a swimming pool and at the waterfront to show which swimsuit colors are easiest—and hardest—to see in the water.

Bright neon colors, including fluorescent orange, neon green and bright yellow, were shown to provide the greatest visibility in pools, while white, light blue, gray and other muted colors were among the most difficult to see, particularly underwater or in areas with glare.

The demonstration comes as drowning continues to pose a significant public safety challenge across Suffolk County.

According to South Shore University Hospital, the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office recorded 24 drowning deaths in 2024 and 16 in 2025. Most fatalities occurred in backyard swimming pools. Three children died in drowning incidents in 2024, followed by two pediatric fatalities in 2025.

Emergency responders also continue to see a high volume of water rescues. Suffolk County EMS responded to 116 drowning-related calls in 2025. So far in 2026, there have already been more than 55 drowning calls and five fatalities, including one child.

Hospital officials noted that many non-fatal incidents never receive widespread attention. In 2025, lifeguards performed more than 1,000 rescues at Suffolk County beaches, while more than 200 additional water rescues were carried out during local boating emergencies involving police departments, harbor masters, the U.S. Coast Guard and fire department water rescue teams.

Doctors emphasized that drowning rarely resembles the dramatic scenes portrayed in movies. Instead, they urged families to practice close, constant and undistracted supervision, designate a dedicated "Water Watcher," use properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, enroll children in swim lessons, install four-sided pool fencing with self-closing gates, and learn CPR to improve survival in an emergency.