ALBANY, NY (WENY)-- LEGISLATION CURRENTLY AWAITing THE GOVERNOR’S REVIEW INTENDS TO INCREASE EDUCATION FOR NEW PARENTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DROWNING FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN.  

FATAL DROWNINGS ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR CHILDREN AGES ONE TO FOUR, ACCORDING TO THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION.  

SOME NEW YORK STATE LAWMAKERS ARE HOPING THIS legislation, IF SIGNED, WILL DECREASE DROWNINGS.  

“We already provide education to parents. This legislation actually goes a step further and gives them another tool so that parents are even more aware of resources to protect their children from drowning,” said Sen. Lea Webb (D-52nd Senate District).

THE LEGISLATION WILL REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PROVIDE A VIDEO ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DROWNING GEARED TOWARDS TODDLERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN FOR NEW PARENTS TO VIEW BEFORE LEAVING A MATERNITY WARD.  

SOME ADVOCATES SAid WATER SAFETY REQUIRES CONSTANT VIGILANCE—GOING BEYOND THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN CHILDREN ARE MORE FREQUENTLY IN POOLS AND OTHER BODIES OF WATER. 

HEIDI REISS, co-OWNER of Aqua Beba swim AND executive member of THE NEW YORK WATER SAFETY COALITION, SAid PARENTS SHOULD BE AWARE CHILDREN CAN DROWN IN VERY SMALL AMOUNTS OF WATER IN PLACES AROUND THE HOUSE INCLUDING BATHTUBS, DOG BOWLS, AND TOILETS.  

“This is a risk for children as young as one years old, if not younger, as soon as they’re pretty much younger it is a risk,” she said. 

The legislation has been delivered to the Governor and awaits her review.