The "Kareem Angel Green Autism Drowning Prevention Act" aims to enhance swimming safety for children, particularly those with special needs, by imposing new requirements on organizations supervising children at public bathing places and swimming pools. The bill prohibits these organizations from allowing children access to water without obtaining specific documentation from parents or guardians, such as swimming proficiency certifications or waivers for non-swimmers. Additionally, it mandates the provision of properly fitted personal flotation devices for children at risk of drowning and allows organizations to deny access to children whose guardians fail to provide the required documentation. The bill also introduces penalties for non-compliance with these provisions.

In conjunction with the above measures, the bill revises existing laws by renaming Chapter 515 to "Swimming Pool and Public Water Safety Act" and creating a new section titled "Open Water Safety." It requires certain counties and municipalities to implement pilot programs for drowning prevention stations in high-risk areas and mandates the Department of Health to coordinate a public awareness campaign on water safety. The legislation emphasizes drowning prevention education, particularly for parents of children with autism, and requires them to provide water safety information to their child's public school at specified intervals. Overall, the bill seeks to improve safety measures and awareness surrounding water activities for children, especially those with special needs.

Statutes affected:
H 413 Filed: 515.21, 515.23, 515.25, 515.31, 515.33, 515.35, 515.37, 1003.225