Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 168
CHAPTER 98
Relative to California Drowning Awareness and Prevention Month.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
June 14, 2024.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 168, Rodriguez.
California Drowning Awareness and Prevention Month.
This measure would proclaim the month of May 2024 as California Drowning Awareness and Prevention Month.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States among children one through four years of age; and
WHEREAS, Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional death in the United States among children five through fourteen years of age; and
WHEREAS, Drowning is the cause of emergency medical treatment for more than 1,200 children in California each year due to nonfatal submersions; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, for every child who dies from drowning, another seven receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries; and
WHEREAS, Childhood drownings and near drownings can happen in a matter of seconds; and
WHEREAS, Eighty-eight percent of all child drowning incidents occur when an adult is present; and
WHEREAS, As many as 20 percent of near-drowning survivors suffer severe, permanent neurological disability, often resulting in high medical costs to the family and costs to the taxpayer of millions of dollars in medical benefits; and
WHEREAS, Two-thirds of all drownings occur between May and August; and
WHEREAS, The month of May of each year is recognized as National Drowning Prevention Month and National Water Safety Month; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the month of May 2024 be observed as California Drowning Awareness and Prevention Month; and be it further
Resolved, That Californians are encouraged to exercise caution, safety, and supervision of children in and near water; and be it further
Resolved, That families and individuals are encouraged to learn about lifesaving practices, water rescue skills, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.