Every year, it seems, we write stories about children in Westchester, Rockland and Putnam, who drown in backyard swimming pools. Just as common are stories about youngsters who suffer severe, sometimes fatal, head injuries after the fail to wear a helmet while bike riding.

The state “Department of Health”:http://www.health.state.ny.us/press/releases/2008/2008-07-15_summer_child_safety.htm has issued a list of safety tips to address both problems.

Here is the list:

• Make sure children are constantly supervised by an adult when they are near or in any body of water.
• Enclose a pool, hot tub or spa with a fence that is at least 4 feet high with slats that are less than 4 inches apart.
• Make sure the fence gate is self-closing, self-latching and out of a child’s reach.
• Remove floats, balls or other toys from the pool and surrounding are immediately after use. (The presence of these toys may encourage children to enter the pool area or lean over the pool and fall in.)
• Prepare for drowning emergencies by having a cordless phone, emergency numbers, a first-aid kit and rescue equipment near the pool.
• Learn CPR, first aid and water-rescue techniques.

To make sure a child has the proper helmet and that it fits correctly, parents should follow these tips:
• Look for a bicycle helmet that has the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) sticker on it – which shows that the helmet meets CPSC’s standard for safety.
• Measure a child’s head circumference and buy a helmet that is sized for that measurement.
• For infants and toddlers, buy infant and toddler-specific bicycle helmets.
• Make sure the helmet sits on top of the child’s head in a level position, not tilted back on the head.
• Adjust the straps for a snug, comfortable fit.
• The helmet should not move side-to-side or front-to-back.
• Teach children to always keep the straps buckled when riding.
• Never use helmets designed for other purposes such as motorcycling or snowmobiling because they may cause difficulty maintaining balance or may disrupt a child’s vision, which can cause a fall or accident.