The "Kareem Angel Green Autism Drowning Prevention Act" is designed to improve swimming safety for children, particularly those with autism, by establishing new requirements for organizations supervising children at public bathing places and swimming pools. These organizations must obtain documentation from parents or guardians regarding a child's swimming proficiency before allowing water access and are required to provide personal flotation devices for children who cannot swim or are at risk of injury, with certain exceptions. The bill also introduces penalties for non-compliance and mandates the display of warning signs about water-related dangers at public bathing places.

In addition to enhancing safety measures, the bill amends existing laws to create a new section focused on open water safety and requires certain counties and municipalities to implement pilot programs for drowning prevention stations in high-risk areas. Local governments are encouraged to partner with businesses for funding, and the Department of Health is authorized to coordinate public awareness campaigns on water safety. The legislation also requires parents of children with autism to provide annual information on water safety and swimming certifications to their child's public school, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Key definitions are established, and responsibilities for implementing these safety measures are outlined for counties and municipalities with larger populations.

Statutes affected:
S 568 Filed: 515.21, 515.23, 515.25, 515.31, 515.33, 515.35, 515.37, 1003.225