Preventing childhood drowning in New York: a state action plan

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.