BILL NUMBER: S5815A
SPONSOR: MANNION
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to education and
outreach programs on the dangers of fatal and non-fatal drowning
 
PURPOSE OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to create a public education campaign to
inform the public about the dangers of fatal and non-fatal drowning.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill would require that the Commissioner of Health
promote public awareness of the dangers of fatal and non-fatal drowning,
including but not limited to the unique risk factors and exposures asso-
ciated with infant and early childhood drowning, childhood and teenage
drowning, adult drowning, and the disparate risk of drowning on under-
served communities and individuals with developmental disabilities, and
methods to reduce the risks of drowning including water safety instruc-
tion and swim lessons.
Section 2 of this bill provides that the effective date shall take
effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Drowning is an unacknowledged epidemic. Drowning can happen to anyone
and it can occur anywhere; from open waters to swimming pools, to bath-
tubs, toilets, or even buckets of water. According to the CDC, drowning
is the number one cause of death for small children under 5. Addi-
tionally, it is the second leading cause of death for children ages
5-14. Drowning death rates are disproportionately higher for minorities
and those with disabilities or medical conditions. Drownings which are
non-fatal can result in costly, long-term health problems, including
brain damage and long-term disabilities.
There are many strategies to help reduce drowning, including education,
training, and supervision. However, the first step is ensuring aware-
ness. There is little public conversation to make State residents more
aware of the risks of drowning despite the CDC's tragic statistics. This
bill would require the Department of Health to create a public education
campaign to inform State residents about the dangers of fatal and non-
fatal drowning.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5815: 207 public health law, 207(1) public health law
S5815A: 207 public health law, 207(1) public health law