Policy document
Preventing childhood drowning in New York: a state action plan.
Pressley JC, McDonald MA ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001New York State established a commission to address childhood drowning as a public health issue. The commission developed a comprehensive report with over 190 recommendations to create a culture of water safety across the state. Key recommendations include upgrading pool infrastructure, improving water safety education for children, training teachers, and creating coordination through a new Office of Water Safety. The plan addresses vulnerable populations and underserved communities, and recognizes emerging risks from extreme weather and flooding.
Key points
- Commission formulated more than 190 recommendations toward a unified, multi-pronged, equity-centered culture of water safety
- Recommendations include building and upgrading physical pool infrastructures and adoption of advanced technologies
- Strategic solutions address standardized ages for initiation of water safety education and aquatic learning standards
- Plan includes public awareness campaigns addressing water proficiency, water competence and situational knowledge
- Identifies gaps in services for underserved and under-resourced populations and vulnerable/disabled populations
Limitations
This document describes policy recommendations and findings rather than evaluating the effectiveness of any implemented intervention. It does not provide outcome data on whether these recommendations have been adopted or have reduced drowning rates.
Abstract
The Temporary Commission to Prevent Childhood Drowning (NYS Drowning Commission) was signed into law by the New York State (NYS) Governor to address the public health issue of childhood drownings. This article documents the NYS Drowning Commission's formation and highlights findings and recommendations contained in the 339-page final report. The comprehensive report found that both children and adults face evolving water-related risks associated with the state's geography of extensive coastlines, rivers, lakes, and increasing exposure to extreme weather and flooding. Legislation that created the NYS Drowning Commission stipulated five major goals. In fulfillment of these goals, NYS Drowning Commission formulated more than 190 recommendations toward creation of a unified, multi-pronged, equity-centered culture of water safety and a NYS Office of Water Safety to provide coordination across the multiple agencies and sectors responsible for water safety. Short-term and long-term strategic solutions are recommended including building and upgrading physical pool infrastructures, adoption of advanced technologies, enhancement of the early warning system for dams and levees, public awareness campaigns that address water proficiency, water competence and situational knowledge of water, and aquatic training for physical education teachers. Other recommendations address standardized ages for initiation of water safety education, aquatic learning standards, vulnerable/disabled populations, data needs, community public-private partnerships, and gaps in services for underserved and/or under-resourced populations. Several water safety-related topics, including flood zones, storm surge areas, low-lying regions, aging infrastructure such as dams, hazardous coastal infrastructure, and climate-related hazards outside the scope of the NYS Drowning Commission are identified.