Senate Passes Fuschillo Bill Requiring Pool Alarms In Swimming Pools

With yet another tragic death of a child who drowned in a swimming pool this past weekend, Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District) is sponsoring legislation that would require all newly installed swimming pools to be equipped with pool alarms.

"Unfortunately, it seems that every summer we read about the tragic death of a young child who drowned in a pool because they went into the water when no one was around. By equipping pools with pool alarms, we would create another safeguard against accidental drowning," said Senator Fuschillo. "We must take every step possible to help save lives and prevent further tragedies, before another family has to endure the heartache of losing a child."

A pool alarm is designed to provide an added level of protection against accidental drowning. Homeowners activate the device when the pool is not being used. If a child falls into the pool, the pool alarm will detect the waves and sound a loud siren to alert the homeowner.

Although many local municipalities require barriers to be placed around a swimming pool, such as gates or fences, there is no state law requiring pool alarms. The state of Connecticut already enacted a law requiring pool alarms, and the states of Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina have proposed similar laws.

North Bellmore resident Andrea Nordquist was instrumental in helping Senator Fuschillo get this legislation passed. Mrs. Nordquist’s son Christopher died several years ago at the age of 2 when he accidentally drowned in his grandparents’ swimming pool.

"This type of tragedy could happen to everyone, but it shouldn’t happen to anyone," said Mrs. Nordquist. "A moment of prevention is better than a lifetime of pain, and even if Senator Fuschillo’s legislation saves the life of only one child, it will be worth it."

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years. CDC also states that for every child 14 years and younger who dies from drowning, five others receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries.

The State Senate passed this legislation earlier today.

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