The Senate Committee on Health Policy unanimously favored a bill 11-0 to strengthen lifesaving drowning prevention and safe bathing recommendations for parents of new children delivered through hospitals, birthing centers, and home birth providers during a panel discussion this week.
Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) filed the bill (SB 606) in the Senate. The bill is part of Smith's comprehensive water safety package for the legislative session.
According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida led the nation in fatal drownings in 2025. The state also had the highest drowning rate for children ages 0-4 and 1-9 in a recent multi-year period.
"In 2025, Florida broke its previous record with 119 fatal child drownings. 100% of these tragedies were preventable," Smith said in a statement. "Our bill seeks to empower families with the knowledge and tools they need to keep children safe around water and to save lives. Thanks to the Senators on this committee and the water safety advocates supporting this bill, our drowning prevention legislative package has real momentum in the 2026 legislative session."
More specifically, SB 606 requires the Florida Department of Health to develop learning resources on drowning prevention and safe swimming practices, including materials offering guidance on supervision, water safety behaviors, the benefits of child swimming lessons, and risks to infants and toddlers.
You can view the full vote total here.
Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) filed a similar bill (HB 503) in the House.
Casey McGovern, Executive Director of Every Child a Swimmer, added, "As a mother of a drowning victim and the Executive Director of Every Child a Swimmer, I strongly support SB 606. Educating parents and caregivers at the time a child is born is one of the most critical opportunities we have to save lives. This is a pivotal moment when new parents are eager to learn, and providing water safety education early empowers families with knowledge that can prevent tragedy. SB 606 recognizes that prevention starts early, and I am deeply grateful to Senator Smith for his leadership and unwavering dedication to protecting children and strengthening families."
SB 606 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services for consideration. If fully passed and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the legislation would take effect on July 1.
