Florida lawmaker files bills aimed at improving water safety for kids

New bills aimed at boosting water safety for children

Boca Raton State Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman has proposed three pieces of legislation aimed at preventing drownings and expanding lifesaving tools.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A Florida lawmaker is proposing three pieces of legislation aimed at preventing drownings and expanding lifesaving tools.

Florida leads the country in drowning deaths. According to the office of State Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, who filed the bills, Florida’s drowning rate is 54% higher than the national average.

Drowning is also the leading cause of death in the United States for kids 1–4 years old, according to the CDC.

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The Save Our Swimmers bill would mandate proof of swimming experience, or implement regulations for flotation devices. It also specifically addresses a high rate of autistic children who drown in Florida.

The Zero Drowning Bill would require buoy life floatation rings at public beach entrances. The buoys alert 911 when lifted from their station.

The third piece of legislation would create a real-time alert system for the public on sewage spills, and a website with an emergency alert system notifying the public about closures.

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"One drowning death is too many and so, I thought this is the time to really get this done," Gossett-Seidman said.

Gossett-Seidman, a former lifeguard and swim instructor, says water safety measures are needed not just for locals, but for tourists too.

"We’ve had just an influx of people," she said. "Not everyone knows or understands the beach. We need to help them to stay safe."

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Earlier this year, a swimming lesson voucher law went into effect in Florida. They’re available for families that have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level with kids 4 and under. Studies show swimming lessons can prevent 88% of accidental drownings.

The bills will be introduced in the 2025 session, but already have support from several organizations that advocate for water safety.

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