In the wake of a 7-year-old nonverbal, autistic boy's drowning death in Menands last week, New York State Sen. Pat Fahy has introduced legislation that would improve aquatic safety training.
Under the proposal, the costs for swimming lessons geared toward children living with disabilities would be eligible for coverage by Medicaid home and community-based services.
The legislation would also require lifeguards statewide to undergo specialized training so they are equipped to meet the needs of children who are autistic or living with disabilities.
Fahy said the legislation comes as the drowning death of Harbe Nagi exposed ongoing gaps in aquatic safety. She said the aim is to increase preventive measures.
"Let's serve those with disabilities and try to make sure that poor Harbe may not have died in vain, and if nothing else, we believe this will help to honor and memorialize his young life," Fahy said.
The legislation will also require programs and facilities accessing NY SWIMS funding to detail how they are working on making their swimming environment accessible and inclusive.
