So far this year, 112 children drowned in Florida — a terrible record already pacing ahead of last year’s deaths.
One state lawmaker is trying to prevent those deaths in the water.
Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith filed a package of bills that he hopes will help keep kids safe in a state known for its ocean beaches, lakes and pools that attract millions of tourists every year. The state’s data showed 65% of the children who drowned this year were between the ages of 1-3.
“Florida’s tragic distinction as the nation’s leader in child drownings is a crisis we have the power—and the responsibility—to confront. Every one of these deaths is preventable, and the solutions are right in front of us: stronger education, safer environments, and consistent standards that protect families no matter where they live or visit,” Smith said in a statement. “We cannot accept another year of record-setting child drownings. These bills are about prevention, accountability, and doing everything possible to make sure Florida’s children come home safely.”
Smith and Rep. Anna Eskamani, who are both Orlando Democrats, filed SB 606/HB 503 to require new parents to get information on water safety and safe bathing practices.
Under their bill, the Florida Department of Health would be directed to create evidence-based materials how to keep children safe in the water for hospitals, birthing centers, home birth providers, and childbirth educators to give to parents.
Two other bills Smith filed are meant to add more safety measures at pools.
SB 608 would require all licensed vacation rental properties with a residential swimming pool to install at least one pool safety feature in compliance with the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act such as a pool cover, swimming pool alarm or alarms for windows and doors with direct access to the pool. Meanwhile SB 610 would require all residential properties with swimming pools sold or transferred after Oct. 1, 2026 to be equipped with at least one pool safety feature in compliance with the act.
“This legislative package brings together common-sense reforms that save lives by equipping parents with critical information, ensuring basic safety features in homes and vacation rentals, and giving communities the tools they need to keep children safe,” Smith said in a statement.
