NYS: New measures to prevent drowning

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- As summer winds down, two new bills were signed into law to help prevent drownings throughout New York State.

One will now require the state department of health to have outreach programs teaching the public about fatal and non-fatal drownings and how to prevent them.

"It will basically take drowning, which is the leading cause of death for children 1-4 years of age, the second leading cause of death for children 5-14 years of age, and put it on the laundry list of items that the department of health already does public awareness work on," explained Brendan O’Melveny, a founding member of the NY Water Safety Coalition.

Another new state law will make it easier for first responders to get into pool areas when there’s an emergency.

"Currently, the way things are, the latch is on the inside of the fenced in area," explained Assemblyman John McDonald. "And it’s at 54 inches height, but sometimes the fences are a little bit too high and for some people at certain heights it’s hard to reach over and pull that. Interestingly enough, New York state, was not compliant with the other 49 states. We were unique in that aspect. So it allows for that latch to be moved back to the other side where when someone first approaches the gate, they can do it."

According McDonald, the latches will still be required to be at a suitable height to prevent a child from accessing a pool area on their own. The law will go into effect at the end of 2025, giving the Department of State time to develop rules and regulations.

"It will be for all new pool gates going forward. However, it should provide the opportunity for individuals who want to make an alteration to do that once this new law is in effect."