CONSUMER ALERT: NYDOS Division of Consumer Protection Shares Water Park Safety Tips

   

Implementing These Simple Tips Can Help Water Park Patrons Stay Safe

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Secretary Mosley: “Implementing a few added precautions, such as explaining rules to children, watching rides before getting on and using proper safety equipment, can help ensure your family makes the most out of a trip to the water park." 

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing consumers with important water park safety tips to support a fun, safe summer. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates, nearly 28,000 consumers suffered injuries from public water slides over the past five years. Additionally, recent Center for Disease Control data identifies drowning as the number one cause of death for children under four years old and the second leading cause of death among children ages five to fourteen. Water park patrons should consider planning ahead and implementing a few simple but important safety precautions to limit risks and help ensure a safe experience.

Going to the water park is a fun summertime tradition for many New York families, but the large crowds and extra excitement can create dangerous situations if attendees aren’t paying attention or following the rules,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Most parents and caregivers already understand basic safety tips to help keep their children safe while in the water. But implementing a few added precautions, such as explaining rules to children, watching rides before getting on and using proper safety equipment, can help ensure your family makes the most out of a trip to the water park.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “At the New York State Department of Labor, safety is a top priority, not only in the workplace but also in all recreational activities. Amusement rides and attractions, including those at water parks, must meet stringent safety standards to protect visitors. We urge everyone to stay vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and ensure their visits to water parks remain safe and enjoyable. Our goal is to help every New Yorker enjoy their summer adventures with peace of mind.”

WATER PARK SAFETY FOR CHILDREN:

Plan Before You Go:

• Swimming Lessons:Multiple studies show swimming lessons prevent drowning. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children in swimming lessons, as even the most basic swimming skills can help keep a child safe in the water. Recent data from the US Swimming Foundation shows that children in some communities continue to have no or disproportionally low swimming ability. Many municipal pools and community centers offer free or low-cost swimming lessons, and everyone is encouraged to learn how to swim.
• Use life jackets: All non-swimmers, children under 48” and weak swimmers should wear a life jacket while visiting water park attractions. Bring your own life jacket if you are unsure about the fit of those available in the park.
• Avoid “water wings” as floatation devices: Never use air-filled or foam swimming aids like “water wings” or other “floaties” in place of life jackets. These are not designed to be used as personal floatation devices and can give parents and children a false sense of security.
• Learn CPR:Every second counts and CPR can help in an emergency.
• Choose bright colored swimsuits: Studies show the color of one’s bathing suit can make a difference in visibility. Consider the color of your child’s swimsuit before heading to the water park. For light-bottomed pools, neon pink and neon orange tend to be the most visible.

At the Park:

• Have a plan in case your child gets lost:Teach children what to do if they get separated from you. Point out uniformed park employees who can help them and designate a conspicuous spot as a meeting place if your child gets lost.
• Make sure you and your children know the rules: Follow all directions posted on signs, given by park staff or announced through recorded messages. Make sure children can understand and follow safe behavior for the day, especially when in the water or enjoying park attractions. If you don't think your child will be able to follow the rules for an attraction, do not let them get on. Never sneak children into attractions if they are below the posted height, weight or age limits.
• Watch before you ride:Watch any slides, rides and attractions with your child so you both know what to expect before getting on. You can also read any instruction signs aloud with your child and point out the ride operator, lifeguard, exit and entrance locations.
• Make sure children are positioned safely:Make sure children know they must use all safety equipment on attractions and in the water. Don’t assume an attraction is safe for children if you hold on to them. If you hold on to your child, you can’t look after yourself and you may both be at risk of injury.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, but don’t drink alcohol and get in the water. Swimming or trying to supervise others swimming while impaired puts you and others at risk.
• Use sunscreen: Apply waterproof sunscreen before getting to the water park and reapply throughout your visit.
• Find first aid stations:It’s smart to know where first aid stations are located in case of an emergency.

In the Water:

• Designate a Water Watcher: Adult supervision is the number one way to prevent drowning. Never leave a child unattended in or near water and always designate a Water Watcher. This person should not be reading, texting, using a smartphone, drinking alcoholic beverages or otherwise distracted. Gaps in adult supervision are the leading cause of drowning deaths. Many drowning victims are only out of sight for just five minutes or less. Remember, lifeguards DO NOT replace adult supervision.
• Keep toddlers and young children in shallow play areas: Many parks have zero-depth entry pools with water games, spray fountains and other attractions appropriate for young children who cannot swim.
• Listen to park staff: Always listen to lifeguards and other park staff for instructions when enjoying attractions.
• Pace yourself: Take frequent breaks if you feel tired from swimming or other activities. Don't take chances by overestimating your swimming skills.
• Don’t run from attraction to attraction: The walkways between slides and other attractions at water parks are often wet and can be slippery.
• Don’t pressure anybody to ride: Never force anyone, especially children and weak swimmers, to get on slides, rides or other attractions they don’t want to ride.
• Stay alert:If you are injured or see any unsafe behavior or conditions, report the issue to an employee and/or lifeguard at the venue immediately.
• Take breaks:Summer temperatures get hot, and you can end up walking or standing in the sun more than usual at water parks. Sit down and grab a beverage if you start to feel tired. Keep track of how much sun exposure children and toddlers get.
• Identify swimmers in need of help: While we tend to think that swimmers in trouble will be waving their hands and making lots of noise, this may not always be the case. Watch out for people whose heads are low in the water (mouth submerged) or tilted back with mouth open, eyes closed or unable to focus, legs vertical in the water or who are trying to swim but not making progress. Signal for lifeguards if you ever notice any swimmer who looks like they need help.

For more information:

• Visit the New York Department of Health website for more information on water safety and safe swimming.
• Visit the I Love NY website to find a water park near you.
• Visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s pool safety website for more pool safety tips.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for New York City Metro and Lower Hudson Valley Regions

 

In Effect for Wednesday, June 19, 2024

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Wednesday, June 19, 2024, for ozone to include the New York City Metro and Lower Hudson Valley regions.

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone

The advisory will be in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m. 

 

The Wednesday, June 19, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consists of: New York City Metro, which includes New York City and Rockland and Westchester counties and Lower Hudson Valley, which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, and Ulster counties.

 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

 

OZONE

 

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

 

Ozone is not a direct emission, and is produced indirectly when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas, but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations.

 

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.

 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.

 

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. 
  

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-05/aqiweb.pdf. 

 

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT BIDEN’S EXECUTIVE ORDER PROVIDING WORK AUTHORIZATION TO LONG-TIME UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS

Order Allows Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens Who Have Lived in U.S. for 10 Years to Work Legally, Includes Pathway to Work Visas for Some DACA Recipients  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement after President Joe Biden issued an executive order expanding work authorization for long-time undocumented immigrants after Mayor Adams and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in May, led a coalition of 40 Cities for Action mayors in calling for expanded work authorization for long-term undocumented immigrants. The letter argued that extending work authorization would be an economic benefit to the entire nation: 

 

“Today, I want to thank and congratulate President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the Biden administration for the bold, compassionate leadership they have shown over the past few weeks.  

 

“New York City is a city of immigrants, and over the past two centuries, millions have come to our city, and our country, in pursuit of the American Dream. They didn’t expect it to be handed to them — they came to work for it. 

 

“Today, President Biden has brought that dream a step closer to reality for so many once again. The executive orders the president has issued over the past few weeks will bring order to the border, relief to cities across the country, and opportunity to millions who have had to work under-the-table, far too often in dangerous jobs that don’t pay living wages because the employees were not able to work legally. And the people helped by today’s executive order are our neighbors, our community leaders, and our parents. They have been in the United States for years, paying taxes and enriching the fabric of our country. 

 

“While President Biden’s executive orders over the past weeks will be a tremendous help, the fact remains that extreme Republicans in Congress have refused to pass any form of comprehensive immigration reform or appropriate the funding that cities like New York need. The time for Congress to put politics aside and reform our immigration system is now. Millions of immigrants, thousands of businesses, and a nation built by those who came to our shores ready to work for a better life demand it. 

 

“In the coming months, we will continue our conversation with President Biden and his administration to extend access to work authorization for the more than 200,000 migrants and asylum seekers who have come to New York City in the past two years asking us for support — more than 65,000 of whom are still in our care.” 

 

Legal, authorized work leads to higher wages and reduced exploitation, enhancing workplace safety and dignity. By extending work authorizations to millions today, the Biden-Harris administration is taking a significant step towards supporting these valuable community members that contribute extensively to the U.S. workforce and economy. This initiative is supported by more than 80 members of Congress; the American Business Immigration Coalition’s more than 300 employers, CEOs, and associations; and labor organizations like UNITE HERE, the Teamsters, and SEIU. 

ADAMS ADMINISTRATION RELEASES COMPETITVE RFP TO REDUCE ASYLUM SEEKER COSTS

 

Competitive RFP Seeks Range of Vendors to Support Asylum Seeker Operations 

Will Allow City to Find Efficiencies, Reduce Costs as City Continues to Manage Nationwide Crisis 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) for companies and organizations to provide shelter and shelter-related services in response to the asylum seeker crisis. The RFP seeks to solicit a range of vendors to support the next phase of the “Asylee Flex” program, ensuring continuity of operations and enabling the city to find additional efficiencies and reduce costs while diversifying vendors and subcontractors through the competitive bidding process. The administration has already saved nearly $2 billion in asylum seeker spending by helping put migrants on a path to self-sufficiency with intensified case management while still reducing the household per-diem costs of providing care.

“Since April 2022, more than 200,000 migrants and asylum seekers have come to our city, seeking a better life for themselves and their loved ones and needing our care,” said Mayor Adams. “We’ve put care and compassion first throughout our response, and, as a result, no families with children have been forced to sleep on our streets — an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the hardworking public servants, contractors, and community-based organizations that are on the ground managing this crisis. We have also been managing the fiscal impact of this crisis, having already achieved nearly $2 billion in cost savings thanks to the creative thinking of our dedicated workforce. The RFP we’re putting out today will help us find even more savings, making sure we get the most out of every taxpayer dollar.”

“As we face the ongoing challenge of providing critical shelter and services to asylum seekers, the release of this RFP will bolster our ‘Asylee Flex’ program and help deliver compassionate care in a cost-effective manner,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “By diversifying vendors and subcontractors through this process, we not only ensure continuity and efficiency but also reaffirm our commitment to fiscal responsibility. This initiative will enable us to meet the evolving needs of the thousands of people in our care while optimizing resources to deliver essential support to those seeking refuge in our city.”

“Since the beginning of this global humanitarian crisis, we have acted to do our part providing shelter, food, health care, and a range of other services and supports to individuals and families seeking asylum in New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “All along the way, we have tried to find efficiencies and move toward a response that is more sustainable. This RFP will allow us to take a wider look at providers in this space and continue to evaluate how we are allocating resources to find additional cost savings and process improvements.”

Since May 2023, the city augmented its response to the influx of arriving asylum seekers with the addition of the “Asylee Flex” program, which quickly added scalable, cost-effective, humanitarian site inventory and services across multiple hotels in New York City and certain counties upstate. The program has been operating for 10 months and currently serves thousands of migrants across 26 hotel sites, including approximately 2,400 migrants across 13 sites in New York City, and 1,600 migrants in 13 sites located upstate. Most of the current program participants are families with children who are enrolled in local school districts and connected with local resources.

The new RFP requires potential vendors to submit executive summaries of their qualifications, detailed plans of action, references, and budget proposals, including detailed pricing information on staff members, shelter locations, and operations. It also includes a 30 percent minority- and women-owned business enterprise subcontractor utilization goal. The proposals will be evaluated for cost, experience, proposed approach, and organizational capacity, and awarded contracts will be for up to one year in length.

The selected vendor, or vendors, will be expected to provide services at existing sites, and possibly additional sites as directed by the city. The scope of work includes managing relationships with hotels, engaging with and maintaining open lines of communication with key stakeholders, as well as providing shelter, food, housekeeping, security, case management, laundry, and the coordination of additional services with no additional fee including legal, reconnection, travel, education, and donations.

Since this asylum seeker humanitarian crisis began, New York City has taken fast and urgent action — caring for more than 203,000 migrants and asylum seekers and opening more than 200 emergency shelters to provide a roof over their heads. The city has also stood up navigation centers to connect asylum seekers with critical resources; enrolled tens of thousands of children in public schools through Project Open Arms; and launched the Asylum Application Help Center, which has already helped submit more than 55,000 applications for asylum, work authorization, and temporary protected status. Last August, Mayor Adams hosted “The American Dream Works” — a rally with hundreds of asylum seekers, union members, business leaders, and elected officials calling for expanded work authorization for asylum seekers. Last year, the city released “The Road Forward: A Blueprint to Address New York City’s Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis,” detailing how the city will continue to manage the influx of asylum seekers and advocate for support from federal and state partners.

New York Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Vaccine Card Fraud Scheme

 

Kathleen Breault pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by fraudulently destroying over 2,600 COVID-19 vaccines and issuing a corresponding number of fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination record cards.  The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner.

United States Attorney Breon Peace of the Eastern District of New York, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and James Smith, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.

According to court documents, Kathleen Breault,  a midwife at Sage-Femme Midwifery PLLC (Sage-Femme), an authorized COVID-19 vaccine administration site in Albany, New York, conspired to obstruct the government’s distribution of COVID-19 vaccines by providing COVID-19 vaccination record cards to individuals who were not vaccinated, including to minors who were at the time ineligible to be vaccinated and Canadian citizens who were not present in the United States when they were purportedly vaccinated.  In addition to destroying COVID-19 vaccines and issuing fraudulent vaccination record cards, Breault and her co-conspirators made over 2,600 false entries into a New York State database that tracked COVID-19 vaccine distribution.  Breault agreed to repay more than $37,000 in restitution for the destroyed vaccines.   

Breault pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States and its departments and agencies.  When sentenced, Breault faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.  

The FBI is investigating the case.  The New York State Department of Health assisted with the investigation.  Trial Attorneys Patrick J. Campbell and Hyungjoo Han of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

DA KATZ SEIZES UNLICENSED MOBILE CANNABIS DISPENSARY IN SUNNYSIDE

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the takedown of an illegal cannabis dispensary operating out of a converted school bus in Sunnyside.  The seized product was determined to have been overtly marketed toward children, with names such as “Skittles,” “Gummy Sharks,” “Jolly Ranchers,” and packaging nearly identically to snacks popular with kids. The vehicle’s owner has been charged with unlawful sale and unlawful possession of cannabis for allegedly operating the illegal business.

District Attorney Katz said: “You cannot operate a cannabis dispensary that is unregulated and marketed toward our children. Unlicensed marijuana sellers have become the subject of numerous community complaints because the unregulated product is often targeted to young people and has actually sickened customers. Such dispensaries also evade tax revenue for public services and undercut legal vendors who prioritize safety and compliance. My office will continue to crack down on illegal dispensaries that pose a serious threat to public health.”

Currently, there are 133 licensed adult recreational-use cannabis dispensaries open in New York state, including fourteen in Queens. There are 42 state-authorized medical marijuana dispensaries, including three in Queens.

Anthony Stevens, 62, of Brooklyn, NY was charged yesterday with unlawful sale of cannabis, unlawful possession of cannabis and criminal possession of cannabis in the third degree. The defendant received a desk appearance ticket and was ordered to return to court on July 2.

According to the charges, Stevens operated an unlicensed mobile cannabis dispensary called “The Green Empress,” on the corner of 43rd Street and Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside.

During the investigation, undercover detectives from District Attorney Katz’s office made controlled purchases of cannabis from the trucks on several occasions.

On June 12, detectives from the District Attorney’s office, along with NYPD officers, executed a court-authorized search warrant of the mobile dispensary.

The following was recovered from the truck, which was impounded:

• One cannabis chocolate bar
• Six disposable concentrated cannabis straws
• Several cannabis products packaged with candy names like “Skittles,” “Warhead Sour Medicated Chewy Cubes,” “Stoney Patch Kids,” “Gummy Sharks,” “Jolly Ranchers” and “Strawberry Puffs”
• Several Ziplock bags containing a quantity of cannabis

 

The seized products are estimated to be more than two pounds of cannabis.

This operation is part of the District Attorney’s ongoing efforts to rid Queens of illegal cannabis dispensaries, whether operating out of trucks and vans or brick-and-mortar commercial locations.

Since November 2022, enforcement operations have resulted in the prosecution of 286 individuals for felony-related charges related to the sale and/or possession of cannabis or controlled substances in Queens.

To date, the following items, with an estimated combined value of more than $7 million, have been seized from more than 317 suspected illegal cannabis dispensaries:

• More than 1,800 pounds of cannabis edibles, including gummies and candy bars
• More than 2,500 pounds of cannabis flowers
• Hundreds of packages of edible psylocibin, also known as “magic mushrooms”
• Over 10,000 cannabis vape “pens”
• All of which has an estimated value of over $7.5 million

District Attorney Katz has also initiated eviction proceedings pursuant to the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law against 31 brick-and-mortar stores operating as illegal smoke shops.

A total of 79 shops in Queens County have been padlocked as of May 2024 through the assistance of the New York City Sheriff’s Office and the NYPD.

The investigation into the unlicensed mobile cannabis dispensary in Sunnyside was conducted by Assistant District Attorney Shanon LaCorte, Chief of the District Attorney’s Crime Strategies and Intelligence Bureau, with assistance from Supervising Intelligence Analyst Jennifer Rudy, along with members of the Queens District Attorney’s Detective Bureau under the supervision of Sergeant Felix Ramos, Lieutenant Joseph Falgiano, Deputy Chief Janet Helgeson, Assistant Chief Daniel O’Brien, and under the overall supervision of the Chief Investigator of the Detective Bureau, Robert LaPollo.

Early Voting Check-Ins

 

Primary Election 2024

 

June 15, 2024 - Day 1

 

• Manhattan - 1,731
• Bronx - 923
• Brooklyn - 1,624
• Queens - 1,823
• Staten Island - No Primary Election

 *Unofficial as of Close of Polls 6,101

June 16, 2024 - Day 2

 

• Manhattan - 2,981
• Bronx - 1,499
• Brooklyn - 2,946
• Queens - 3,241
• Staten Island - No Primary Election

 *As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 10,667

June 17, 2024 - Day 3

 

• Manhattan - 4,440
• Bronx - 2,397
• Brooklyn - 4,381
• Queens - 4,887
• Staten Island - No Primary Election 

*As of Close of Polls – Unofficial and Cumulative 16,105

Statement from Speaker Adams Calling for the Rent Guidelines Board to Avoid Unreasonable Rent Increases for City’s Nearly One Million Rent-Stabilized Tenants

 

“New York City remains in the throes of a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis, record-high homelessness, and rising evictions that continues to push working- and middle-class families into dire situations and out of our city. These challenges, along with the increased cost of living, require all levels of government work towards solutions to stem the exodus of New Yorkers and help them stay in the city they love. There is also a need to provide support for small building owners and landlords to adequately maintain and preserve our city’s housing stock. Unreasonable rent increases will only exacerbate the impact of these intersecting crises on our neighborhoods and residents. New Yorkers need relief, and I urge the Rent Guidelines Board to limit increases so that our nearly one million tenants can afford to remain in their homes and contribute to the stability of our communities.”