An area elected official has sponsored legislation that would make swimming education mandatory in all New York public schools.
Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) noted that she introduced the measure following numerous drownings and aquatic fatalities throughout the state, including on the Rockaway Beach coastline.
The bill, which is sponsored by State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) in the Senate, would expose all New York State students to water safety—regardless of where they live.
According to Pheffer Amato, last summer there were seven confirmed deaths along the Rockaway Beach coastline, in addition to a drowning that occurred before Memorial Day weekend this year.
“Swim safety and education has never been more crucial,” the assemblywoman added. “The vast majority of drownings and deaths on our beaches could be prevented by instilling swimming safety and aquatic education lessons in our students from a young age. This bill would provide water education for all students at multiple points in their lives, ensuring that they are prepared to swim and understand the real consequences of going into the ocean unprepared.”
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