New Jersey would offer swim lesson vouchers for young children

The Health Commissioner would offer vouchers for up to 10 group swim lessons per eligible child. Children from 12 months old through age 7 would qualify. Lessons would come from programs certified by the Health Department or New Jersey YMCA State Alliance that meet safety and teaching standards. Families with incomes at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level would get priority. All families with eligible children could apply; if funds are limited, applicants could be chosen by application order or lottery. The act would take effect immediately if enacted; it sets no separate start date for voucher applications.

The Health Department would prepare water safety materials, and birth providers would give them to parents or guardians of newborns. Every licensed hospital, birthing center, and home birth provider in New Jersey would give the materials to parents or legal guardians of every newborn as part of care after birth. The department would consult drowning prevention experts and make the materials available in multiple languages. The materials would cover water safety, emergency response, and how to get a swim lesson voucher. The act would take effect immediately if enacted.

The state would set aside General Fund money for the Health Department to carry out the act. The money would support the act's water safety work, including vouchers and parent education. The bill sets no fixed dollar amount; it calls for the money needed to carry out the act. The department would apply for available federal funds and seek private donations. The act would take effect immediately if enacted.