New Bedford Kids Get a Lesson in Water Safety From Homeland Security

Children need to learn about water safety and how to swim, yet too many SouthCoast kids lack the skill. This knowledge could mean life or death, especially when you live in an area with as much natural water as we have here on the SouthCoast.

To help prevent water tragedies, the Massachusetts State Police Division of Homeland Security and Preparedness visited the YMCA New Bedford. The State Police has been committed to offering the younger generation the opportunity to learn about water safety over the last few years.

Lt. Col. Mark Cyr, Division Commander of DHS, said he supports this safety initiative to bridge the gap between the State Polie and the communities they serve.

"We recently visited the New Bedford YMCA and the Greater Westfield Boys and Girls Club during this year’s April vacation week. Our Underwater Recovery Team (Dive Team) has interacted with hundreds of children by providing guidance, water safety tips, dive team operation demonstrations, and lifetime lessons," Cyr said.

Water Safety Days went beyond just time in the pool. Students observed the State Police drone unit demonstrating its search and rescue capabilities and how they can be used during a water rescue.

The kids also got a visit from Margeaux and Luna, the Division of Homeland Security and Preparedness comfort dogs.

The team has now visited every troop in the state and has communicated the importance of water safety throughout the Commonwealth.

"We hope to continue this effort and meet other communities over the summer," Cyr said.