Supporting the goals and ideals of World Drowning Prevention Day.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 606
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-07T11:31:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 606) expresses support for the goals and ideals of World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on July 25. It aims to raise global awareness about drowning as a preventable public health issue, highlight its impacts, and encourage actions to reduce drowning deaths through education, policy, and international cooperation.
Key Provisions
- Background on Drowning Risks: The resolution outlines global statistics, noting that drowning is the third-leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide (7% of all injury-related deaths), has caused over 2.5 million preventable deaths in the past decade, and is a top killer for children and youth aged 1-24. It emphasizes higher risks in low- and middle-income countries (over 90% of cases), during floods exacerbated by climate change, and among certain groups in high-income countries.
- Preventive Measures: It references six low-cost, evidence-based interventions recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), including teaching children swimming and water safety skills, providing safe play areas for preschoolers, installing water barriers, training bystanders in rescue and resuscitation, enforcing boating regulations, and improving flood risk management.
- UN Recognition: It notes the United Nations General Assembly's 2021 resolution declaring July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day to promote coordinated global action.
- House Actions: The resolution calls on the House of Representatives to:
- Support the day's goals to drive action and attention to drowning prevention and water safety.
- Recognize the event as a platform to address drowning's effects on families and communities while promoting solutions.
- Encourage international government cooperation for new policies, legislation, investments, and discussions like multisectoral roundtables.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing U.S. or international law. It serves as a formal statement of congressional support rather than enacting enforceable rules or amendments.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: U.S. agencies like the State Department or health organizations may be indirectly encouraged to participate in global drowning prevention efforts, potentially influencing foreign aid or public health programs focused on water safety.
- On Citizens: It could increase public awareness in the U.S. and abroad, leading to more local education on swimming and safety, especially benefiting children, youth, and vulnerable communities in flood-prone or low-resource areas.
- On International Relations: The resolution promotes U.S. alignment with UN and WHO initiatives, fostering cooperation with other nations (particularly low- and middle-income countries) on health and climate-related issues, which may strengthen diplomatic ties in global public health.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Global Populations: Primarily children and young people (ages 1-24), residents of low- and middle-income countries, and minority or at-risk groups in high-income nations.
- Governments and Organizations: U.S. Congress, international bodies like the UN and WHO, national health agencies, and local governments in flood-vulnerable regions.
- Communities and NGOs: Families, schools, rescue services, and non-profits focused on water safety, disaster preparedness, and child welfare, who may gain momentum for advocacy and funding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding force under U.S. law but reinforces congressional oversight of foreign policy and public health, potentially influencing future appropriations or treaties without constitutional challenges.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers to express views on international matters (Article I) and promote general welfare, without infringing on executive foreign affairs authority.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support for global health initiatives (introduced by Representatives Omar and Wasserman Schultz), potentially elevating drowning prevention in U.S. foreign policy discussions and encouraging similar resolutions in other legislatures to build international momentum.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-07-23: Submitted in House
- 2025-07-23: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the goals and ideals of World Drowning Prevention Day. — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (3 pages)