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Bill

A 5405

Establishes "New Jersey Youth Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Act"; makes appropriation.

2026-2027 Regular Session

Establish statewide youth water safety and drowning prevention programs with funding for education, training, outreach, and partnerships to reduce drownings.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5405

Overview

Bill A-5405 (Session 222, New Jersey) is titled the New Jersey Youth Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Act. The measure establishes statewide programs and funding aimed at reducing drownings among young people, with emphasis on education, outreach, and safety measures in aquatic environments. The bill also includes an appropriation to implement the act.

Purpose and Intent

  • To reduce youth drownings and increase water safety awareness across New Jersey.
  • To create coordinated state efforts, including education, training, and public information, focused on prevention of water-related injuries among children and adolescents.
  • To designate state funding and administrative mechanisms to support these safety initiatives.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of Programs:
    • Development and implementation of youth-focused water safety and drowning prevention initiatives.
    • Education and training programs for youth, parents/guardians, schools, community organizations, and water safety professionals.
    • Outreach campaigns to raise awareness about swimming skills, supervision, and safe behavior around water.
  • Funding and Appropriation:
    • Specific appropriation (allocation of state funds) to support the act’s programs, activities, and administrative costs.
    • Potentially allows for grant or sub-grant programs to local entities (schools, municipalities, nonprofits) to carry out safety activities.
  • Administrative Framework:
    • Designation of a lead state agency or agencies to administer the programs (e.g., Department of Health, Department of Education, or a state public health/ safety office).
    • Establishment of reporting, performance metrics, and oversight requirements to track outcomes and expenditures.
  • Program Components (typical elements likely included):
    • Water safety education curriculums for schools and youth programs.
    • Lifeguard training or water safety training for staff and volunteers working with youth.
    • Public awareness campaigns on drowning prevention, PPE usage like life jackets, and supervision best practices.
    • Outreach to high-risk populations and communities with higher drowning risk.
    • Collaboration with local aquatic facilities, lifeguard associations, and nonprofit organizations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Youth and students across New Jersey, particularly those in schools, summer programs, camps, and community organizations.
  • Parents, guardians, and caregivers responsible for supervising children near water.
  • Schools, local governments, and community organizations implementing water safety education and programs.
  • Aquatic facilities, lifeguarding organizations, and recreational programs that would participate in training and outreach efforts.
  • State agencies charged with program administration and reporting.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Enactment and appropriation: The bill would authorize and direct state funds to be expended on the described programs, with timelines determined by the appropriation and implementation plan.
  • Implementation schedule: The act would likely set phased timelines for program rollout, reporting milestones, and evaluation periods (e.g., initial year kick-off, subsequent years with performance reports).
  • Oversight and Reporting: The bill would establish reporting requirements to the Legislature on program progress, expenditures, and outcomes, enabling any adjustments or renewals.

Potential Impacts

  • Public health impact: Potential reduction in youth drownings and improved water safety knowledge and practices among families and youth.
  • Educational impact: Integration of water safety into curricula and community programs, increasing swimming and lifesaving skill acquisition.
  • Economic impact: Allocation of state funds to support prevention efforts; potential cost savings from avoided drownings and injuries over time.
  • Equity considerations: If targeted, can address disparities in drowning risk among different communities through outreach and accessible programming.

Note: The summary reflects typical elements of a bill with this title and appropriation purpose. For exact language, specific program titles, eligible entities, funding amounts, and implementation dates, please refer to the bill’s text and fiscal note as enacted by the New Jersey Legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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