This Memorial Day weekend, millions of New Yorkers will flock to their local shores, whether it be ocean facing beaches, lakes, or rivers, to enjoy a range of water-based recreational activities. Sadly, this will also be the start of a series of drowning announcements throughout the late spring, summer, and fall here in New York City and across New York State. As our climate continues to warm, and beach season extends far past the historically accepted dates of Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is critical that the City and State take preventative measures to ensure New York residents have the life-saving skills, education, and infrastructure we need to benefit from our waterfronts positively and safely.
Fortunately, the tide is turning in the attention we are giving to water safety education and drowning prevention. Currently, advocates and elected officials are working to advance legislation at the city and state levels that, combined, could prevent drowning and water-based accidents, save lives, and better connect New Yorkers to their waterfronts. We in the Water Safety Coalition, a group of concerned citizens and non-profit organizations working to make water safety education an essential right for all, are working hard to advance this legislation, and we need everyone to join us in this effort.
At the city level, we recently testified before the City Council in support of three bills that could increase swim and pool equity in New York City and increase transparency in lifeguard staffing and training. Bill 0760 would require NYC Parks to provide free swimming lessons to children 13 years of age and younger. Bill 0962 would require NYC Parks to assess city-owned sites for the construction of new swimming pools in Environmental Justice Communities, and work with the Department of Education to open school-owned pools to the public. Finally, Bill 3294 would require NYC Parks to report on lifeguard staffing and training, pool closures, and incidents requiring emergency assistance at the city’s beaches and pools. Combined, we believe this collective legislation can save lives and increase equitable waterfront access and water-based recreation. Please join us in advocating for this legislation by contacting your local council member and voicing your support.
At the state level, we are advocating for a water safety education bill, NY State 2545A and Assembly Bill 4846 that would allow for water safety education in schools in grades kindergarten through twelve, require sending water safety education materials home to parents, and include technical assistance to schools in developing water safety curricula. Most drownings and water-based accidents are preventable, and education is key.
If you are a New York State resident, please sign the petition to let your elected officials know you support this legislation. Sign the petition here!
If your organization or business would like to support this legislation, please sign this support letter here!
As climate change drives increased extreme weather, making flooding a concern throughout the year, and staffing shortages and budget cuts limit access to pools and beaches that enable us to safely access the water, it is critical that the next generation can equitably and safely engage with the water and the many social, mental, and physical health benefits it offers us.
The Water Safety Coalition is a group of concerned citizens and non-profit organizations working to make water safety education an essential right for all, to save lives and create a more inclusive recreation community, with a focus on the Rockaway peninsula in Queens, New York.
