This bill designates May of each year as Water Safety Month in New Jersey, aiming to raise public awareness about safe water practices and prevent accidents and drowning. The legislation emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, such as age-appropriate education, supervision, and access to safety equipment, to reduce the risks associated with water activities, particularly for children. The bill highlights alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding drowning as a leading cause of death among young children, underscoring the necessity of this initiative.
Additionally, the bill encourages the Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), to provide resources to school districts for conducting presentations and educational activities focused on water safety for students in grades kindergarten through five. These activities may involve partnerships with nonprofit organizations to enhance the educational outreach. The act is set to take effect 180 days after its enactment.