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AJR 28

Relating to: commending the IBS Patient Support Group on its recognition of April 17 through April 19, 2025, as World IBS Days.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bare and 13 co-sponsors

Designates the third full week in May as Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children to promote awareness and annual gubernatorial proclamations on prevention.

Read and referred to Committee on Rules
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Bill Summary · AJR 28

AJR 28 — Summary

Overview

AJR 28 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey General Assembly that designates the third full week in May each year as “Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children” in New Jersey. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials, school districts, counties, cities, and residents to observe the week and promote drowning prevention activities. The resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

  • Bill number: AJR 28
  • Title: Designates third full week in May as "Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children"
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Classification: Joint Resolution
  • Subject: Children, Commemoration

Key Provisions

  • Designation: The third full week in May is designated as “Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children.”
  • Promotion and Observance: The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation urging public officials and residents to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs aligned with drowning prevention goals.
  • Immediate Effect: The joint resolution takes effect immediately after passage.

Rationale and Background

  • The resolution cites public health data to justify increased awareness of drowning prevention, including:
    • Drowning is a leading cause of death among children under five; for children aged 1-4, drowning deaths are outpaced only by birth defects as a cause of death among certain age groups.
    • For every child who drowns, approximately eight others require emergency department care for nonfatal water-related injuries.
    • Many drownings occur in swimming pools where adults are nearby; supervision is the responsibility of parents/guardians, not lifeguards.
    • Learning to swim can significantly reduce drowning risk for children aged 1-4 (studies suggest up to an 88% risk reduction with formal swimming lessons).
    • Use of life jackets for non-swimmers near water is a critical safety measure.
    • Drowning deaths among children often occur between May and August; May is already recognized as National Water Safety Month.

Impact and Affected Parties

  • Affected entities: State government, counties, municipalities, school districts, and families/residents.
  • Expected outcome: Increased public awareness and promotion of drowning prevention strategies, including supervision, pool barriers, swimming lessons, and life jacket use during the designated week.

Procedural Details and Timeline

  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Next steps: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Children, Families and Food Security
  • Related legislation: Companion bill in the Senate is SJR 27

Related Legislation

  • SJR 27 (Senate companion)

This bill focuses on public awareness and annual commemoration rather than creating new programs or funding, relying on proclamations and observance to promote established drowning prevention best practices.

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

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