Tejal Somvanshi
As summer’s last hurrah looms, the urge to cool off in pools and lakes becomes almost irresistible. But with that comes an inherent risk—drowning. The state of New York, under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, has just made a significant stride towards minimizing this danger. Ahead of the Labor Day weekend, a series of laws were enacted, each designed to bolster water safety and, quite literally, save lives.
Let’s break down what these new laws mean and how they’re set to change the way New Yorkers interact with water, whether it’s in their backyard pools or at public swimming facilities.
Extending the Fight Against Childhood Drowning
First up is legislation S.9748/A.10334, which extends the mandate of the Temporary Commission to Prevent Childhood Drowning for another year. This commission has been at the forefront of developing strategies to educate children on water safety. As Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato pointed out, “Drowning currently stands as the number one cause of death for children under 4 in the United States – and that’s something all of us are committed to changing.” This stark reality underscores the urgency behind extending the commission’s work. By continuing its efforts, New York State ensures that the focus remains on evaluating and refining programs that could potentially save countless young lives.
The commission’s ongoing mission is to assess existing educational tools and create new initiatives that directly address the risks associated with water activities. This includes ensuring that children across the state, especially in vulnerable communities, receive the necessary training to stay safe around water. It’s not just about swimming lessons; it’s about ingraining a culture of safety from a young age.
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Public Awareness Campaigns: A Critical Lifeline
The second law, S.5815A/A.6205, is equally crucial. It empowers the New York State Department of Health to initiate public education and outreach campaigns focusing on the dangers of both fatal and non-fatal drowning. As Assemblymember Karines Reyes expressed, this legislation is set to “save countless lives” by raising awareness in communities that are often left out of the conversation when it comes to water safety. Reyes, a Bronx resident, emphasized the particular vulnerability of communities of color, where access to public pools and swimming lessons is often limited. This law is a step towards rectifying that imbalance by ensuring that every New Yorker is informed about the risks and precautions associated with water activities.
These campaigns aren’t just about putting up posters or running ads—they’re about targeted, community-based outreach that meets people where they are. Whether it’s through schools, community centers, or local health departments, the goal is to make sure that the message about water safety is both heard and heeded. This kind of educational push is essential in preventing tragedies before they happen.
Enhancing Pool Safety: Aligning with International Standards
Finally, there’s S.7731A/A.988C, which focuses on the physical safety mechanisms surrounding pools. This legislation requires the State Fire Prevention and Building Code Council to develop standards for pool gate release mechanisms that align with internationally recognized standards. This might sound technical, but it’s an essential aspect of pool safety. As State Senator Patrick Gallivan noted, “Updating these safety provisions will help ensure first responders and bystanders will be able to access swimming pool gates in the event of an emergency.” It’s about making sure that when seconds count, there are no barriers—literal or figurative—to saving a life.
The importance of aligning with international standards cannot be overstated. It ensures that New York’s safety measures are not just up to par, but leading the way in preventing drowning incidents. Whether it’s ensuring that pool gates are easily accessible in an emergency or that fencing around pools is up to the highest safety standards, this law is about creating a safer environment for everyone who steps near the water.
A Broader Initiative: NY SWIMS
These legislative efforts are part of a broader initiative known as NY SWIMS, which represents the largest statewide investment in swimming and water safety since the New Deal. Governor Hochul’s administration has allocated nearly $150 million to expand public access to swimming, particularly in underserved communities. This includes funding for the renovation and construction of pools across the state, as well as partnerships with SUNY campuses to offer lifeguard certification courses and expand learn-to-swim programs.
The NY SWIMS initiative is about more than just laws—it’s about creating a lasting infrastructure that supports water safety. This includes everything from renovating existing pools to building new ones in areas that need them most, to ensuring that children and adults alike have access to the training they need to stay safe in the water.
Looking Ahead: A Safer Future for All
Governor Hochul’s recent legislation is a powerful reminder of the importance of proactive safety measures. As we head into the Labor Day weekend and beyond, these laws will undoubtedly play a crucial role in protecting New Yorkers from the dangers of drowning. But more than that, they represent a commitment to ensuring that every resident, regardless of where they live, has the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe around water.
These measures are not just about preventing tragedy—they’re about empowering communities with the tools they need to enjoy water safely. As these laws take effect, we can look forward to a future where the risks associated with swimming and water activities are significantly reduced, making New York a safer place for everyone to live, work, and play.
