Senate committee advances two drowning-prevention bills expanding swim access and postpartum education

The Florida Senate Health Policy Committee on an informal session day advanced two measures aimed at reducing child drownings, reporting Senate Bill 428 and Senate Bill 606 favorably out of committee.

Senator Yarbrough introduced SB 428 to expand the state's swim-lesson voucher program so children ages 1 through 7 — instead of the current eligibility cited as '4 and under' — can access subsidized lessons. "Swimming instructions targeted at the appropriate age level can make a big difference," Yarbrough said, citing drowning rates and national recommendations from the YMCA and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The bill's sponsors and supporters pointed to state drowning trends to justify the change. Dr. Corinne Bridal, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Nemours Children's Hospital in Orlando, told the committee she has seen 35 drownings at her hospital over three years and that nearly 90 percent of those patients were age 7 or younger. "Swim lessons are a simple way to teach children how to be safe in and around water," Bridal said, urging the panel to approve the expansion.

Jason Hagenczyk, president and CEO of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County, told the committee that early instruction can reduce drowning risk by up to 88 percent for the most at-risk age groups and urged lawmakers to expand eligibility to strengthen water competency across Florida communities.

Senator Harrell supported the policy but asked appropriators to revisit the program's funding. The committee heard that the program's current allocation is cited as up to $1,000,000; Harrell said increasing the appropriation will be necessary if the eligible population grows.

SB 606, filed by Senator Smith, directs hospitals, birthing centers and other postpartum education providers to add drowning-prevention safety and safe-bathing practices to materials given to new parents. An amendment removed a proof-of-compliance requirement for unregulated home-birth providers so the rule of proof would not apply to those providers. Casey McGovern, who lost a daughter to a backyard pool drowning, testified in support and described the legislation as a critical opportunity to reach parents at a pivotal time.

Both measures were reported favorably by the committee. SB 428 was reported favorably on a roll call; committee members also moved SB 606 as a committee substitute after an amendment clarifying proof requirements was adopted.

Why it matters: Florida has persistently high child-drowning rates, and committee backers argued the bills would expand prevention resources at two touchpoints — direct swim instruction and early parental education — to reduce avoidable deaths.

Next steps: Both bills advance to the Senate appropriations and subsequent committees for further consideration and potential funding adjustments.