H 4686 Resolution, By Gilliard, Agnew, R.L. Brown, Clyburn, Hosey, Jefferson, 
Long, Sottile, Stavrinakis and Whipper
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO DECLARE MAY 2010 AS "WATER SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH" AND
 TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THIS STATE TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE
 HOUR OF INSTRUCTION ON WATER SAFETY DURING THE MONTH OF MAY.

   03/03/10  House  Introduced HJ-106
   03/03/10  House  Referred to Committee on Education and Public
                     Works HJ-106

TO DECLARE MAY 2010 AS "WATER SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH" AND TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF THIS STATE TO PROVIDE AT LEAST ONE HOUR OF INSTRUCTION ON WATER SAFETY DURING THE MONTH OF MAY.

Whereas, drowning is the leading cause of death for infants and young children in eighteen states, and nationally ranks second only to automobile accidents, claiming the lives of approximately four thousand children each year and leaving another twelve thousand with some form of permanent brain damage; and

Whereas, in 2000, there were three thousand four hundred eighty-two unintentional drownings in the United States, an average of nine people per day; and

Whereas, children aged five to fourteen most often drown in swimming pools and open water such as rivers, lakes, dams, and canals; and

Whereas, a swimming pool is fourteen times more likely than a motor vehicle to be involved in the death of a child aged four and under; and

Whereas, understanding the precious gift South Carolina children are to the future of this State, the House of Representatives declares May 2010 as "Water Safety Awareness Month"; and

Whereas, attempting to avert the unspeakable tragedies that South Carolina families and communities face upon the drowning and physical damage of children who are simply unaware of the potential dangers of swimming pools and bodies of water, the House of Representatives encourages public school districts of this State to provide at least one hour of instruction on water safety during the month of May. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, declare May 2010 as "Water Safety Awareness Month" and encourage public school districts of this State to provide at least one hour of instruction on water safety during the month of May.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to each public school district superintendent of this State.