ASSEMBLY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2477

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  NOVEMBER 15, 2021

      The Assembly Community Development and Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2477.

      This bill would require the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health to design, produce, and distribute to each municipality in which a public pool is located, a poster warning of the dangers of dry drowning and listing all of the symptoms of dry drowning, and a one-page information pamphlet providing that information.  The bill would also require the governing body of every municipality that operates a public swimming pool to post that poster in a prominent area at the pool, and to also require that a copy of the one-page information sheet be provided to municipal residents annually, either at the time they register as members of the municipal pool, or at the public swimming pool during the first two weeks that the pool is open.

      “Dry drowning” occurs when a person inhales water into the person’s lungs, but isn't affected until after the person has left the water.  It is also referred to as secondary drowning.  Patients can then have breathing difficulties due to airway muscle spasms.  The laryngospasm reflex essentially causes asphyxiation and neurogenic pulmonary edema.