New York State Senator Lea Webb (D-NY52) has announced her Water Safety legislation, has been signed into law. The legislation is the first in the nation and will now require hospitals to offer parents a brief, state-approved video that highlights the dangers of drowning for infants and young children during their maternity stay in the hospital.
“This legislation will empower new parents with the awareness of the dangers of drowning and the knowledge to make safe choices in and around water,” said Senator Lea Webb. “Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under five and a danger that disproportionately impacts children of color. This legislation will help save lives. My appreciation goes to my Assembly colleague, Assemblymember Pheffer-Amato, for championing this critical bill in the Assembly. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation and ensuring that New York leads the nation in drowning prevention.”
The legislation passed unanimously in both houses of the State Legislature and requires the parent and/or guardians of a newborn to be required to view a short video presentation that is approved by the State Department of Health of the dangers of drowning for infants and young children.
The video will be in addition to what parents/guardians are already required to watch, which is the dangers of shaking infants and young children prior to leaving the hospital.
