Members of the Gustavus Adolphus (G.A.) Family Services’ Accountability and Responsibility Program (AR) recently walked out onto the dock at Long Point State Park Marina, located at 4459 Route 430 in Bemus Point. This activity was part of a water safety program conducted in collaboration with the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services as well as the Marine Patrol Division of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office. Submitted photo

G.A. Family Services youth got a lesson in water safety recently on the shores of Chautauqua Lake.

Several organizations and governmental agencies have collaborated to educate and inform children involved with the Gustavus Adolphus (G.A.) Family Services’ Accountability and Responsibility Program (AR) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Their focus is on raising awareness about the potential dangers and empowering youth to mitigate the hazards associated with water-based recreation.

“With summer approaching, children are eager to refresh themselves. It made perfect sense for us to implement a safety program that was not only enjoyable and interactive for the kids but also centered on water safety and purposefully designed,” said Billy Torres, a youth leader with the G.A. Family Services AR program.

Torres said the AP staff collaborated with Brandy Freitas from the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Health and Social Services to involve youth in a water safety course. The program was supported and facilitated by members of the Marine Patrol Division of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department.

Sgt. Eric Karlstrom of the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with Marine Patrol Division trainers Brian Gustavson and Phil Paterniti, conducted a water safety course aimed at educating local youth on essential safety practices related to aquatic environments. The officers organized the program efficiently, with minimal preparation time to convey information to the youth.

“Not only did they disseminate the information quickly, but they also engaged effectively with the children, providing a high-quality, educational community service,” Torres said.

The officers provided comprehensive coverage of water safety rules, including detailed explanations of various types of water equipment and personal flotation devices, such as throwable and inflatable options. They also thoroughly discussed water safety, the purpose of the CCSO Marine Patrol boat, and demonstrated additional equipment used in water emergencies. Both deputies emphasized that wearing a life jacket is the most crucial step individuals can take to ensure their safety while enjoying water activities. They reiterated that the key to staying safe during swimming, boating, jet skiing, and tubing is consistently wearing a life jacket.

“This course was a tremendous success, and all the youth and staff who attended learned a great deal,” explained Torres.

The G.A. Family Services AR Program offers support for young individuals between the ages of 13 and 18 as part of the state’s Supervision and Treatment Services for Juveniles initiative. The AR program serves at-risk youth in Chautauqua County who have been identified as needing additional services to prevent out-of-home placement. The Accountability and Responsibility Program serves as a countywide resource focusing on the development of life skills and the creation of individualized change plans. The program’s objective is to maintain youth in their home setting and reduce recidivism rates of youth requiring Family Court intervention.