Assembly Resolution No. 2182
BY: M. of A. Rules (Reyes)
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 15, 2024, as Water Safety Day in the State of
New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 15, 2024, as Water Safety Day in
the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
International Water Safety Day; and
WHEREAS, International Water Safety Day is an opportunity to raise
awareness of the vital necessity for water safety and the critical
impact water education can have on individuals when in and around water;
and
WHEREAS, According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the
3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting
for 7% of all injury-related deaths, and there are an estimated 236,000
annual drowning deaths worldwide; and
WHEREAS, In recent years, the United States Center of Disease
Control estimated an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings
(non-boating related) annually in the United States, resulting in about
10 deaths per day; and
WHEREAS, Research has found that early swimming skills help prevent
drowning, including from The American Academy of Pediatrics which
recommends swim lessons for many children starting at age 1; a study in
the journal, JAMA Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine found formal
swimming lessons reduced the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%;
and
WHEREAS, Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1
to 4, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for
children ages 5-14; for every child that dies from drowning, there are
approximately seven non-fatal drownings that require emergency care and
can result in long-term health problems; and
WHEREAS, Drowning death rates for Black people are 1.5 times higher
than the rates for white people, with this disparity even higher for
children; and
WHEREAS, People with disabilities, special needs, and certain
medical conditions are at an even higher risk of drowning; awareness of
risks, land-based water safety education, and formal swim instruction
can collectively reduce drowning; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York is dedicated to taking tremendous
steps to help promote water safety and increase drowning prevention
through legislation and shall continue to advocate and promote water
safety, whether it be at a pool, lake, ocean, or anywhere where a person
may swim; and
WHEREAS, Simple water safety tips like utilizing caution when
walking near water, always swimming with a buddy, making sure there is a
lifeguard or someone watching you in the water, jumping into water feet
first, wearing a lifejacket if needed, and of course, learning to
properly swim, among other tips, can save lives; and
WHEREAS, Fatal and non-fatal drowning are serious health problems
and epidemics, and National Water Safety Month is an annual awareness
campaign to highlight water awareness and swim safety with the hope of
reducing harm and casualties relating to swimming and drowning; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body reaffirms its commitment to fostering
continuing attention to water safety in New York State, and encourages
all New Yorkers to participate in Water Safety Day in the State of New
York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 15, 2024, as Water
Safety Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, and various water safety-based organizations throughout the State
of New York.
