Reps Omar and Wasserman Schultz Introduce World Drowning Prevention Day Resolution

WASHINGTON—Reps Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) today introduced a resolution to support the goals and ideals of World Drowning Prevention Day. This resolution will also encourage intergovernmental cooperation to develop new drowning prevention policies. 

Drownings pose a significant public health risk to our nation’s children. Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death for children and young people ages one to twenty-four in every region of the world. This silent and swift cause of death has claimed over 2.5 million lives in the last decade. The human, social, and economic toll of these losses is intolerably high, especially among minority groups. The drowning death rates among American Indian and Black individuals are among the highest rates globally. In the United States, 5 to 19-year-olds who were Black were five times more likely to drown in a swimming pool compared to their white peers. 

"It is crucial to expand proven drowning prevention solutions to prevent unnecessary deaths and raise awareness about water safety," said Rep. Omar. “Just a few months ago, a child tragically died from a drowning incident in Hopkins, Minnesota. It is more important than ever to work to end this silent epidemic. I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz to bring needed global attention to these tragedies.” 

“Drowning is a public health issue, and it is critical we treat it like one,” said Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz. “Drowning remains the number one cause of unintentional death for children younger than 5, and if we all unite to increase the safety of our kids and our communities, we can change that horrible reality and save lives. This resolution to support the goals and ideals of World Drowning Prevention Day, helps focus those efforts, and calls on the United States to take up crucial drowning prevention interventions. I am eager to co-lead on this work with Congresswoman Omar.”

You can read the full resolution here.