New York Joins National ‘Every Child a Swimmer’ Movement

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the “Every Child a Swimmer” bill into law on Sept. 26, making her state the latest to adopt a measure aimed at preventing childhood drowning through school-based information campaigns. New York now joins several states that have enacted similar laws, including Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Washington, Arizona and New Mexico. Starting with the 2026-27 school year, when a parent or guardian enrolls their child in a public school, they will be provided with a packet of water safety information highlighting the importance of formal swimming lessons and outlining key drowning prevention strategies. 

“This is a monumental victory for every child and family in New York,” says Brendan O’Melveny, founder of the New York Water Safety Coalition, the group that brought the bill to the state Legislature. “Drowning is preventable, and education is the first line of defense. We are proud that New York has become one of the first states to join this vital national movement to protect our children.”