Arizona lawmakers support HB 2019 to enhance child drowning prevention education

The Arizona Senate Education Committee meeting on March 26, 2025, focused on the urgent issue of childhood drowning prevention, culminating in a unanimous recommendation for House Bill 2019. This bill aims to enhance water safety education for families, particularly in Arizona, where drowning rates among children are notably high.

Lisa Zarda, the executive director of the United States Swim School Association, presented compelling statistics highlighting that drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4, surpassing car accidents. She emphasized the importance of education in preventing these tragedies, noting that formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88 percent. Zarda urged the committee to support the bill, framing it as a vital resource for parents to access essential water safety information.

Noah James Markham, a resident who moved from Hawaii, shared his personal experiences with drowning incidents in Arizona. He advocated for mandatory swimming lessons for children and urged parents to take precautions, such as installing pool gates, to protect their children. His testimony underscored the community's need for increased awareness and education regarding water safety.

The committee members expressed their support for the bill, with Vice Chair Hoost moving for a "do pass" recommendation. The vote concluded with a unanimous 7-0 in favor of advancing House Bill 2019, reflecting a collective commitment to addressing the critical issue of childhood drownings in Arizona.

The passage of this bill marks a significant step towards improving water safety education and potentially reducing the alarming rates of drowning among children in the state. The committee's actions signal a proactive approach to safeguarding the lives of Arizona's youth.