Senator Webb’s Water Safety Legislation Signed into Law

(BINGHAMTON, NY) On Wednesday, Senator Webb’s nation-leading Water Safety legislation (S3608A/A4987A) was signed into law. The first of its kind in the United States, this legislation will require hospitals to offer new parents a brief, state-approved video highlighting the dangers of drowning for infants and young children during their maternity stay in the hospital. 

“This legislation will empower new parents with the awareness of the dangers of drowning and the knowledge to make safe choices in and around water,” said Senator Lea Webb. “Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under five and a danger that disproportionately impacts children of color. This legislation will help save lives. My appreciation goes to my Assembly colleague, Assemblymember Pheffer-Amato, for championing this critical bill in the Assembly. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation and ensuring that New York leads the nation in drowning prevention.”

Background: 

Webb’s Water Safety legislation (S3608A/A4987A), which passed unanimously through both houses of the State Legislature, requires that parents or guardians of a newborn be required to view a short video presentation, approved by the department of health commissioner on the dangers of drowning for infants and young children.

According to the CDC, drowning can happen quickly and quietly anywhere there is water, especially to unsupervised children. This includes lakes and oceans, pools, bathtubs, and even buckets of water. Drowning is the top cause of accidental death of children under five years of age, with toddlers who are between twelve and thirty-six months of age at the highest risk.  It is critical that we ensure new parents have access to education on the dangers of drowning that can occur by leaving a crawling or walking baby unattended in or near even two inches of water. 

The New York Water Safety Coalition, who supports this legislation, has shared that for every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency department care for non-fatal drowning. Nonfatal drowning can result in serious health outcomes, including very serious injuries such as brain damage or permanent disability.

New parents are already required to watch an approximately eight (8) minute video presentation on the dangers of shaking infants and young children prior to leaving the hospital. This bill would add a short video on drowning to help equip parents with additional safety information. We know the birth of a child is a wonderful, exciting and often an overwhelming time for new parents, this measure aims to educate or serve as a reminder to the dangers of drowning. 

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