South Queens, New York – Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) introduced legislation (A.10256) that would require swimming education in all New York City and State public schools. The legislation comes in light of numerous drownings and aquatic fatalities throughout the state of New York, specifically on the Rockaway Beach coastline, which were highlighted in an Article in the New York Times[1].

“Swim safety and education has never been more crucial,” Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato said. “The vast majority of drownings and deaths on our beaches could be prevented by instilling swimming safety and aquatic education lessons in our students from a young age. This bill would provide water education for all students at multiple points in their lives, ensuring that they are prepared to swim and understand the real consequences of going into the ocean unprepared”

Last summer there were seven confirmed deaths along the Rockaway Beach coastline, in addition to a drowning that occurred before Memorial Day weekend this year. This bill -sponsored in the State Senate by Senator Joseph. P. Addabbo Jr.- would expose all New York State students to water safety – whether they live or swim by a lake, pool, or beach.

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/26/nyregion/rockaway-beach-drownings.html