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Bill

AR 61

Urges recreational programs, swim schools, and swim teams to promote participation by African-American youth in swim programs.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey AR61 urges recreational programs, swim schools, and teams to boost African-American youth participation in swimming, a nonbinding call to voluntary action to save lives.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
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Bill Summary · AR 61

Summary of Assembly Resolution AR 61 (New Jersey)

Overview

  • Bill Type: Assembly Resolution (non-binding)
  • Number/Title: AR 61 — Urges recreational programs, swim schools, and swim teams to promote participation by African-American youth in swim programs
  • Introduced: January 9, 2024
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to the Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
  • Subject: MINORITY, Sports

AR 61 expresses the New Jersey General Assembly’s stance and urges certain stakeholders to take actions that promote African-American youth participation in swim programs. As a resolution, it does not impose legal requirements or funding but seeks to encourage voluntary collaboration and program design changes.

Key Provisions

  1. Encouragement to Act (Section 1): The House encourages recreational programs, swim schools, and swim teams to promote participation by African-American youth in swim programs. The aims are to combat racial stereotypes, increase access to pools for inner-city children, expand employment opportunities, and help save lives among African-American youth in New Jersey.
  2. Dissemination of Resolution (Section 2): Copies of the resolution, filed with the Secretary of State, will be transmitted to USA Swimming and the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association.

Background and Rationale (Why the resolution is being considered)

  • Drowning is a major public health concern. It is the fifth leading cause of injury death for all ages and the second for children ages 1–14. Approximately ten people die daily from unintentional drowning; about two of these are children 14 or younger. Children aged 1–4 have the highest drowning mortality among child age groups.
  • Racial disparities are pronounced. CDC data indicate African-American children aged 5–19 drown in pools at rates more than five times higher than white children; 11–12-year-old African-American children drown in pools at rates ten times higher than white peers.
  • Historic context: The disparity in swimming ability traces to early 20th-century pool segregation under Jim Crow. Post-desegregation, reduced investment in public pools contributed to ongoing gaps in access and participation.
  • Representation and opportunities: White Americans are roughly twice as likely to know how to swim as African Americans. USA Swimming has about 337,000 members, of which only about 1% are African American. Notable gender/ethnic representation gaps persist at major events (e.g., a small fraction of African-American athletes on Olympic teams; limited 50-meter pools at HBCUs).
  • Practical impact: The resolution frames increased participation as a path to broader access, potential employment opportunities (lifeguards, camp counselors), and reduced mortality risk in Black communities.

Potential Impact

  • Non-binding influence: As a resolution, AR 61 expresses intent and encourages voluntary actions rather than mandating changes or providing funding.
  • Stakeholder impact: Recreational programs, swim schools, and swim teams in New Jersey may be motivated to implement outreach, scholarships, targeted classes, internships, and partnerships to engage African-American youth.
  • Strategic value: Could promote collaboration with national (USA Swimming) and state (NJ Recreation and Park Association) organizations to expand access, diversify participation, and improve safety outcomes.

Legislative Details

  • Action Taken: Introduced; referred to the Assembly Committee on Children, Families and Food Security.
  • Next Steps: Committee consideration, potential amendments, and floor action if advanced. As a resolution, passage would express legislative support rather than create enforceable law.

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

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