On Wednesday, Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Frank Wolf (R-Va.) and I introduced a resolution to recognize May as National Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Month
For the past several years, states have individually recognized the importance of drowning prevention and water safety. But despite broad support from state and local governments and safety advocacy groups, we have not really taken action at the federal level. We think it’s important to recognize this issue and try to prevent some of these preventable injuries.
For every child who dies from drowning, another four received emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. These nonfatal injuries are just as tragic, often resulting in brain damage, which often lead to long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning. With this proclamation, we hope parents and caregivers will be more cognizant of safe water practices and take extra precautions when they are at the pool, river, lake or ocean with their children this summer.