Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office
“One drowning death is one too many, particularly when research shows swimming lessons help to significantly reduce the likelihood of drowning,” Sen. Addabbo said.
By Forum Staff
Legislation to create a temporary “Commission to Prevent Childhood Drowning” and improve water safety has passed both houses of the State Legislature, State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), one of the bill’s co-sponsors, announced Thursday.
“One drowning death is one too many, particularly when research shows swimming lessons help to significantly reduce the likelihood of drowning,” said Addabbo. “This legislation would increase access to swim training programs to help alleviate unnecessary tragedies due to drowning in our communities, especially in areas where water is most accessible, such as our popular Rockaway beaches.”
File Photo
Rockaway Beach
Approximately one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. More than 50 percent of drowning victims treated in emergency departments require hospitalization or transfer for further care. These nonfatal drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning.
“Living in Queens, we are all familiar with how dangerous water, whether it is the beach or swimming pools, can be especially if one isn’t taught basic swim safety skills,” Addabbo added. “As we approach the summer season, making instruction accessible to all residents needs to be a priority so that individuals and families can safely cool off while enjoying much-needed time outdoors.”
The next stop for the bill is Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk for final consideration.
