NJ Assemblywoman Says Education Can Help Stop Drownings

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A New Jersey assemblywoman is proposing several new laws in the wake of several drownings that took place last summer across the state.

Alixon Collazos-Gill (NJ-27) recently introduced a package of new bills that aim to educate families on the risks of drowning and promote water safety awareness for children.

“Drowning is something we can prevent with the right education and resources,” said Collazos-Gill, who represents the towns of Livingston, Millburn, Montclair, Roseland and West Orange in Essex County, and Clifton in Passaic County.

“This bill package is about equipping families with the tools they need to keep children safe around water,” Collazos-Gill added. “We owe it to our children to take every step possible to prevent these heartbreaking incidents.”

Here’s what the bills would do, according to the assemblywoman:

EDUCATION – Bill A4763 would require the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) Commissioner to develop and distribute an educational fact sheet explaining how parents and guardians can reduce their child’s risk of injury or drowning. The legislation would also task school districts with developing a list of locations where age-appropriate water safety courses and swimming lessons are offered, including courses and lessons that are offered for free or reduced prices.

WATER SAFETY MONTH – A second bill, A4762, would designate May of each year as Water Safety Month in New Jersey. It would also encourage the NJDOE, in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), to provide resources to school districts to hold water safety presentations and educational activities for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

VIDEO – Bill A4753 would require the NJDOH Commissioner to make an informational video on water safety available in all hospitals and birthing facilities. This video would educate viewers on the dangers of drowning, the importance of learning how to swim, and the need for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Under the bill, hospitals and birthing facilities would be directed to require new parents and any other adult family members present at an infant's birth to watch the video prior to the baby being discharged.

FLOATATION BAN – Bill A4754 would prohibit business entities from selling or manufacturing certain personal floatation devices (PFD) not approved by the United States Coast Guard. The bill defines a PFD as a wearable device, including but not limited to a lifejacket, puddle jumper, water wings, or other floatation device designed for recreational swimming and to be worn or attached to the body of a person who is less than 15 years of age.

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