S1349A

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring school districts to provide parents and guardians with information about water safety education courses and swimming lessons. Senate Print 1349A, sponsored by Sen. Cleare, passed 56-1 on a roll call vote. The bill, titled "Every Child a Swimmer," directly addresses rising drowning deaths in New York since 2019. According to data cited during debate, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14. Sen. Cleare noted that drowning incidents disproportionately affect Black children, youth and adults. The legislation aims to promote water safety awareness and reduce water-related injuries among New York's children by connecting families to water safety resources and services. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026. Only Sen. Walczyk voted in opposition.