NEW JERSEY – Following an increase in drowning deaths nationally, New Jersey took the first step toward establishing a law requiring new parents to watch a water safety video before leaving the hospital.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Sean Kean and passed by an Assembly committee on Monday, would make New Jersey the second state after New York to mandate postpartum water safety education.
Kean, a sponsor and constant champion of legislation to prevent childhood accidental drownings, said the bill (A4753) could help parents baby-proof their homes.
“Whenever a child has access to any water, whether it’s a bathtub, bucket or pool, there is a potential for drowning. Parents need to be aware of all the possible and preventable dangers. It might not be something they even considered,” Kean (R-Monmouth) said.
Under the bill, hospitals and birthing centers would be required to show parents, and any other adult family member present at the baby’s birth, a video on the risks of children drowning, the importance of swimming lessons and CPR, age-appropriate floatation devices, and more.
“It takes only a few seconds and just enough water to cover the mouth and nose to drown. Babies under age 1 are particularly susceptible to drowning in a bathtub and curious toddlers have the ability to fall forward into a toilet. These accidents can happen in a split second. It can happen even when adults are nearby,” Kean added.
After decades of decline, the CDC reported a 10% increase in drowning deaths every year from 2020 to 2022. Children ages 1-4 years old experienced a 28% increase in drowning deaths compared to 2019, cementing its spot as the no. 1 cause of death for preschool children.
For every child who drowns, another eight receive emergency room care for nonfatal water-related injuries. Such drownings can cause long-term cognitive and motor-skill impairments.
“Parents might also be able to apply the information they learn at the hospital to their older children at home to ensure they are safe around water,” Kean added. “When it only takes a few minutes of time to watch a video to prevent a lifetime of heartache and regret, why wouldn’t we do it?”
Many birthing hospitals already have patients watch videos on topics essential to moms and dads, including recovering from a vaginal and cesarean delivery, baby care basics, and sleep and car seat safety. This bill would require the Department of Health to distribute a water safety video that would become part of the facility’s discharge procedures.
