Creating a Unified National Message: Together We’re Turning Awareness into Action
Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1–4—and it is entirely
preventable. The Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS) program is changing that reality by advancing
legislation nationwide that gives parents the life-saving knowledge they need to keep children
safe in and around water.
Originally passed in Florida in 2021, the Every Child a Swimmer law requires that parents or
guardians receive water safety information at the time of school enrollment. This simple
approach ensures families are educated about risk factors associated with drowning, the
importance of swim lessons, and where to find local resources. By turning schools into trusted
messengers for prevention, this legislation helps close the awareness gap that too often leads
to tragedy.
Since its passage in Florida, the ECAS model has gained extraordinary momentum. Georgia,
Arkansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Washington State, and now New York and California have all
enacted or adopted versions of the Every Child a Swimmer legislation. Each new law represents
another life-saving victory—and another step toward creating a generation of safer, stronger
swimmers.
A Milestone Moment in New York
On September 26, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed New York’s “Every Child a Swimmer” bill
into law, making the state the latest to join this vital movement. Beginning in the 2026–2027
school year, every New York school will provide parents with water safety information at
enrollment—an initiative expected to reach millions of families statewide.
“This is a monumental victory for every child and family in New York,” said Brendan O’Melveny,
Founder of the New York Water Safety Coalition, the group that championed the bill. “We’re
proud that New York has become one of the first states to join this national effort to protect
our children.”
Casey McGovern, Executive Director of the Every Child a Swimmer Foundation, shared heartfelt
gratitude for the collaboration that made the law possible: “Drowning is preventable, and this
law is a powerful step forward in educating parents about the risk factors and providing them
with the knowledge to keep their children safe. Together, we are changing the narrative and
building a generation of safer, stronger swimmers.”
Legislative sponsors Senator Cordell Cleare and Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
were also recognized for their leadership in championing this life-saving measure. Senator
Cleare noted that the law “will be empowering in many ways, including by addressing the greatinequity in drowning incidents that disproportionately affects Black children, youth, and
adults.”
The growing success of Every Child a Swimmer reflects the power of unity—among public
officials, nonprofits, advocates, aquatics industry, and the pool industry—working together
toward a shared purpose. As McGovern emphasizes, “This is about accountability, equity, and
impact—ensuring all families, regardless of circumstance, have access to life-saving education
and resources.”
As California prepares to implement its newly signed version of the bill, ECAS and its partners
remain committed to one goal: expanding this legislation across all 50 states.
We are deeply grateful to every community partner helping us create a unified message of
prevention, education, and hope—because every child deserves the chance to be a swimmer.