The New Jersey Senate has approved bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-30), aimed at raising public awareness about strategies and best practices to prevent child drownings. The bill is named in memory of Roxie Mirabelle Forbes, a six-year-old girl who tragically drowned at summer camp.
“Thousands of preventable deaths occur each year due to drowning and it is particularly distressing to know that many of these tragedies involve children,” said Sen. Singer. “By designating the third full week of May as ‘Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children’ we are raising awareness about this heart-breaking reality. Through proactive education and advocacy, we could improve water safety and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.”
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children in the United States, particularly those under five years old. To address this issue, Senator Singer’s joint resolution, SJR-27, seeks to increase awareness and access to educational resources. The resolution calls on:
1. The Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing the third full week of May as Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children; and
2. Public officials and residents to observe the week with appropriate programs and activities.
For more information or to arrange an interview with Sen. Singer, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at [email protected].
