Bill > A5051

Introduced Session

This bill would require the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health to design, produce and distribute to each municipality in which a public pool is located, a poster warning of the dangers of dry drowning and listing all of the symptoms of dry drowning, and a one-page information pamphlet providing that information. The bill would also require the governing body of every municipality that operates a public swimming pool to post that poster in a prominent area at the pool, and to also require that a copy of the one-page information sheet be provided to municipal residents annually, either at the time they register as members of the municipal pool, or at the public swimming pool during the first two weeks that the pool is open. "Dry drowning" occurs when someone inhales water into their lungs but isn't affected until after he or she has left the water. It is also referred to as secondary drowning. Patients can then have breathing difficulties due to airway muscle spasms. The laryngospasm reflex essentially causes asphyxiation and neurogenic pulmonary edema. Young children are particularly susceptible to "dry drowning," and the sponsor intends that the provisions of this bill will provide parents and caregivers of small children with critical information that will save lives as their children enjoy playing in swimming pools on a hot summer day.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Annette Chaparro (D)*,  Angela Mcknight (D)*,  Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 06/26/2017)

Official Document