By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Washington state officially commemorated its first Water Safety Day on May 15, an initiative spurred by the enactment of Yori’s Law (House Bill 1750). This law, named in honor of Yori Tsunoda—a 3-year-old boy who tragically drowned in 2018—aims to enhance water safety awareness and promote swimming education throughout the state.
“Washington’s first Water Safety Day, established by last year’s enactment of Yori’s Law, not only remembers Tsunoda but also all those who have tragically lost their lives to drowning,” said Alyssa Payne, Public Health Advisor for the Water Recreation Program at the Washington State Department of Health. “This day serves as a critical platform for spreading awareness about the dangers of drowning and educating the public on preventive measures to ensure safety in and around water.”
As temperatures rise, the Department of Health is intensifying its efforts to promote water safety, particularly as Washington enters its peak drowning season. During this time, the state’s lakes and rivers maintain temperatures cold enough to cause cold water shock. This sudden, often fatal response to cold water immersion can lead to involuntary gasping and rapid breathing, which may result in drowning.
“The day may be hot, but the water may be very cold, and jumping into cold water may cause you to take an involuntary breath while submerged. Be aware of the conditions before jumping in,” says Dave DeLong, Water Recreation Program Lead, Washington State Department of Health.
According to DOH, approximately 100 Washingtonians lose their lives to drowning each year. Notably, in 2021, unintentional drowning was the second leading cause of injury-related death for children aged 1 to 4 within the state, while nationally drowning is the leading cause of death for this age group. This grim statistic underscores the importance of continual education and preventive strategies to safeguard young lives.
Washington state is currently observing Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, running from May 27 through May 31. This annual event focuses on educating communities about engaging in water-related activities safely and responsibly.
Healthy and Safe Swimming Week is intended to highlight the roles that swimmers, caregivers, aquatics and beach staff, residential pool owners, and public health officials play in preventing drowning and any other water-related injuries or disease outbreaks. Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), focuses on a different topic for the annual week, and this year’s topic is Prevent Drowning: Swim Lessons Save Lives.
“We hope more people get CPR training and know how to help when someone is in trouble, and overall, we hope that more people know how to ensure that their day in the water is safe and fun,” says DeLong.
During this week, a variety of activities and educational sessions are being held to stress the importance of safe swimming practices and to provide families with essential safety knowledge for summer water activities.
“The CDC notes this theme as focusing on the crucial role basic swimming and water safety swim training plays in keeping children and adults safe around water,” says Payne.
“Those who work with children have a great opportunity during this time to offer targeted training, educational resources, and support regarding water safety. Additionally, it is a perfect time for families to ensure they are prepared for a safe summer by signing their children up for swimming lessons and ensuring all family members have properly fitting life jackets,” added Payne.
The observance of Water Safety Day and the ongoing Healthy and Safe Swimming Week are part of a comprehensive approach to educate the public about the inherent risks associated with water activities.
“By promoting these events, we aim to raise awareness about the critical nature of water safety and hopefully reduce the number of drownings and water-related incidents in our state,” concluded DeLong.