Legislation & Policies

Legislation

California


2024

1. AB 2146 (Rodriguez) Chapter 307 of 2024 banning unsafe safety floatation devices and toys labeled as safety floatation device unless approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.


2. AB 2866 (Pellerin) Chapter 745 of 2024 strengthening California’s childcare settings drowning prevention by requiring isolation fencing for any pool associated with a licensed childcare setting, and requiring the state’s childcare licensing agency to review, up date and upgrade the drowning prevention provisions within the childcare licensing program.


3. SB 552 (Newman) Chapter 769 of 2024 strengthening and clarifying the Pool Safety Act’s two barrier provisions prohibiting unsafe safety barrier pairing, increasing pool owner’s knowledge about isolation fencing as the best pool safety barrier for preventing young children accessing a pool unsupervised, and increasing the responsibilities and clarifying Home Inspectors duties when inspecting residential pool safety barriers.


2025 passed legislation

1. Assembly Bill 1445 (Arambula) – The Neng Thao Drowning Prevention Safety Act: This law authorizes drowning prevention organizations to provide informational materials to public elementary schools. Starting with the 2024–25 school year, upon receipt of these materials, schools are required to distribute them to parents or guardians of students in kindergarten through third grade. The materials cover topics such as the importance of water safety education, local swimming programs, and access to water safety courses.

 

2. Assembly Bill 768 (Holden) – School Safety: Aquatic and Pool Safety Program: This legislation mandates the development of an updated aquatic and pool safety program by the Division of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the State Department of Education and other relevant entities. The program is to be made available to local educational agencies serving kindergarten through 12th grade. It includes age-appropriate instructional materials and aims to address the needs of groups at higher risk of drowning.

 

3. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 39 (Holden) – Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children: This resolution proclaims every third week of May as “Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children.” It encourages counties, cities, and school districts to adopt codes and standards to prevent drowning and to engage in public awareness campaigns. While not a law, this resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Water Safety Month and promotes drowning prevention efforts statewide.

 

California's legislative actions to enhance water safety and reducing drowning incidents through education, awareness, and preventive strategies.


Alex’s Law (SB 722) = When children are engaging in or around a school swimming pool, an adult certified in CPR is required.

California Boater Card

Every child under 13 years of age on a moving recreational vessel of any length must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the activity.

SB 855 Childhood Data Collection Pilot Program

Code Swimming Pool Safety Act

Virginia Graeme Pool Safety Act drains in swimming pools and hot tubs have safety coverings to keep people safe from the power of suction.

Florida

The Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act

Pool Fencing and other laws around the U.S. By State

Consumer Product Safety Commission — Pool Safely

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California 3 Links Pool Safety Act Legislature Swimming Pools

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida 2 links Building Codes Florida Statutes

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky & Boone City & Louisville

Louisiana & Baton Rouge

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee & Knoxville & Rutherford

Texas

Utah

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Policies

American Academy of Pediatrics Prevention of Drowning

U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan
Membership
Public Information Updates
Summary Document




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