From state capitals to Capitol Hill, momentum is building nationwide to prioritize water safety and drowning prevention. Recent advocacy efforts in New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C. demonstrate the growing commitment among USSSA members and partners to elevate water safety as a public policy priority.
New York: Championing Water Safety Education
In Albany, members of the USSSA members of the New York Water Safety Coalition, recently convened for a Hill Day with state legislators. Their focus: advancing legislation that would embed water safety education into the school system.
Advocates urged support for S.9465 and A.10862, which would incorporate water safety instruction into kindergarten through twelfth grade curricula across New York State.
This effort reflects a broader recognition that early, consistent education is one of the most effective ways to reduce drowning risk. By integrating water safety into schools, New York has the opportunity to equip every child with foundational knowledge that can save lives.
Texas: Raising Awareness at the State Capitol
In Texas, water safety advocates gathered on the steps of the State Capitol for a Hill Day focused on awareness and public engagement.
During the event, leaders formally read a declaration recognizing May as Water Safety Month in Texas, reinforcing the importance of seasonal awareness as families head into peak swimming months.
The event also served as a platform to share critical water safety information with the public, highlighting the importance of swim lessons, supervision, and layered protection strategies to prevent drowning.
Washington, D.C.: Building Federal Support for the SWIM Act
At the federal level, USSSA representatives joined partners from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the Safe Water Instruction for Minors (SWIM) Act.
The SWIM Act would allow families to use pre-tax dollars from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for swim lessons, helping reduce financial barriers to this life-saving skill.
During meetings with congressional offices, advocates emphasized two critical next steps to advance the legislation:
- Securing a Senate champion to introduce a companion bill
- Increasing House co-sponsorship to strengthen bipartisan support
These efforts are essential to building the momentum needed to move the SWIM Act forward in Congress.
A Growing Movement
Across all three locations, one theme is clear: water safety is gaining recognition as a critical public health issue.
Whether through education policy in New York, public awareness in Texas, or federal legislation in Washington, D.C., these advocacy efforts reflect a coordinated push to expand access to swim education and prevent drowning.
Looking Ahead
USSSA remains committed to supporting these efforts at every level. Continued engagement—from industry leaders, educators, and advocates—will be key to sustaining this progress.
As these initiatives move forward, the need for strong champions, collaborative partnerships, and ongoing advocacy has never been greater. Together, we can ensure that more individuals have access to the skills and knowledge that make water safer for everyone.
