By Assemblywoman Laurie Davies
In California, water is part of our daily lives—beaches, pools, and parks. But behind that lifestyle lies a real danger. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children under five in our state, more than disease or car accidents.
This problem hits working families and Latino communities hardest. According to the CDC, Latino children are 1.5 times more likely to drown. Causes include lack of access to public pools, language barriers, and high costs.
That’s why I introduced AB 1005, a bipartisan solution to prevent tragedies and expand access to swimming lessons. This proposal would create a statewide directory of swim schools and offer vouchers so low-income families can access free or low-cost lessons.
This effort isn’t about creating more bureaucracy. On the contrary, it’s a tool that empowers local communities. Cities and counties would work with YMCAs and swim schools to implement the program, ensuring solutions tailored to each community.
As a former mayor and your Assemblymember, I know that protecting our children is a shared priority. Learning to swim shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s an essential safety skill. Just as we teach our kids how to cross the street safely, we must also teach them how to survive in the water.
Supporting AB 1005 is an act of responsibility, compassion, and common sense. I invite you to join this effort to save lives, strengthen our families, and ensure a safer future for our children.
Assemblymember Laurie Davies represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes communities in southern Orange County, such as Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano, as well as communities in northern San Diego County, including Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Vista, and parts of Fallbrook.
