Another Voice: New York sets a precedent for preventing childhood drowning that all states should follow
The state of New York is leading the charge on child safety. Starting February 15, it will be mandatory for NY hospitals to offer a video on infant and child drowning prevention to new parents during their maternity stays.
Childhood drowning is a deadly epidemic that is too often overlooked. A nine-year-old in Brooklyn, a seven-year-old in Long Island, a four-year-old in Ruland — these tragic drowning deaths all occurred in New York in the past year. In fact, CDC reports show that fatal drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of five. And it’s not as simple as keeping toddlers away from pools, oceans, or other bodies of water.
The CDC reveals that two-thirds of all drownings among infants under the age of one occur in a bathtub — a staple of every modern household. Between the ages of one and four, most drownings occur in home swimming pools. Children can quickly and silently drown in as little as one inch of water, with everything from toilets to sinks to fish tanks posing unexpected safety hazards.
One of these hidden dangers? Nationally, about 25 children die each year in buckets filled with water or other liquids — containers used while mopping the floor or washing the car.
These tragedies are so prevalent that five-gallon buckets come with a warning label about drowning.
With nearly 1,000 children dying from drowning each year, federal and state governments must do more to address this crisis. The Empire State’s new law is a promising step in the right direction — and offers a simple roadmap for other states to follow.
Most states, including New York, already require new parents to watch an 8-minute video on the effects of shaken baby syndrome — an avoidable disorder caused by early head trauma in infants. New York amended its existing legislation to make an additional video about drowning prevention mandatory as well, playing immediately after the video on shaken baby syndrome.
Evidence suggests that this approach to public education works. One study found that watching an educational video on the dangers of infant shaking after delivery reduced the action by a significant 88 percent. Research also found that educational videos are one of the most effective tools for sharing health-related information compared to other forms of communication.
New York has cemented itself as a champion in the movement to keep children safer in and around water. Now, it’s the responsibility of other states to follow suit and dive into drowning prevention.
Lisa M. Zarda, executive director of the United States Swim School Association, emphasizes the importance of this legislation in New York and encourages other states to adopt similar measures. She states, Childhood drowning is a preventable tragedy that demands immediate attention. By providing parents with essential information on drowning prevention, New York is taking a crucial step forward in safeguarding the lives of our children. It is imperative that other states recognize the significance of this measure and implement it without delay.
The new law will undoubtedly save lives and promote awareness about the hidden dangers of childhood drowning. By educating parents and caregivers, New York is setting a precedent for other states to prioritize child safety. Preventable tragedies can be avoided if we take proactive measures to educate and inform. The hope is that other states will recognize the importance of adopting such legislation and join New York in setting the standard for preventing childhood drowning.
Child safety should be a top priority for all states. By implementing similar measures, we can work together to create a safer environment for our children and save countless lives in the process. It’s time for the nation to follow New York’s lead and make drowning prevention a mandatory and essential part of parenting education.
