NEW JERSEY – The state Legislature’s constant champion of water safety, Assemblyman Sean Kean, is encouraged by the support of his bills to raise awareness of the cause and prevent drownings. His measures dedicating the month of May to swim safety and requiring school districts to provide information on swim lessons cleared the Assembly Education Committee on Thursday.
The Monmouth County lawmaker says the bills (A4762) and (A4763) are especially important in a state like New Jersey, celebrated for its 130 miles of coastline and 400-plus publicly accessible lakes and ponds.
“New Jersey is quite fortunate to have unparalleled beaches and bodies of water for swimming and recreation, which is all the more reason to sound the alarm on the importance of water safety,” Kean said. “Dedicating the month of May to water safety will ensure everyone is prepared for a fun summer at the shore, the lake or swimming pool. Making sure parents of schoolchildren have information on local swim programs gives them the tools to be safe and secure around water.”
Most drownings occur between May and August. Accidental drowning is the number one cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional death for kids ages 5 to 14. For every child who drowns, another eight receive emergency room care for nonfatal water-related injuries, Kean said.
“Drowning doesn’t look like it does in the movies. It can happen quickly and quietly and even when parents are present. Whenever there is access to water, there is a risk of injury. Prevention starts with water safety awareness and education,” Kean added.
The Water Safety Month measure also encourages the state’s Education and Health departments to provide resources to school districts so that they can host presentations and educational activities during May for students in grades kindergarten through five.
Under the other bill (A4763), the education commissioner must work with a water safety organization to develop a fact sheet to be distributed by both public and private schools. School districts must also publish a list of local swimming lessons and age-appropriate water safety courses on their websites.
“My unending goal is to equip all of New Jersey’s children with essential water safety information, including swimming lessons. The committee’s action today is a great first step toward that goal,” Kean said.
