Florida lawmakers are intensifying efforts to confront the state’s child drowning crisis, spurred by troubling data from the Department of Children and Families that reveals a rise in incidents at short-term rental properties. These homes, often marketed as vacation getaways, have become an unexpected danger zone for families, with pools lacking the safeguards commonly found in permanent residences. In response, State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith has introduced legislation requiring all short-term rentals with swimming pools to install at least one safety feature—such as alarms, covers, or barrier fencing—to reduce risks for visiting families.

Announcing the proposal, Senator Smith emphasized the gravity of the issue, declaring, “Florida’s tragic distinction as the nation’s leader in child drownings is a crisis we have the power—and the responsibility—to confront.” His words reflect a sobering reality: Florida consistently ranks first in the nation for child drowning deaths, with toddlers between the ages of one and four most vulnerable.

The legislative package is broad in scope, aiming to tackle drowning prevention from multiple angles. One measure would require hospitals and childbirth educators to integrate water safety and safe bathing education into postpartum and childbirth programs, ensuring that new parents are equipped with lifesaving knowledge from the earliest stages of child-rearing. Another, Senate Bill 610, stipulates that residential properties sold or transferred after October 1, 2025, with pools must be outfitted with at least one safety feature before the transaction is finalized. This provision is designed to make pool safety a standard part of property ownership, embedding prevention into the fabric of Florida’s housing market.

The urgency of these reforms is underscored by the numbers. In 2024 alone, more than a hundred children lost their lives to drowning in Florida, a figure that advocates say is both preventable and unacceptable. Experts argue that education alone is not enough; enforceable safety standards must accompany awareness campaigns to create lasting change. By targeting short-term rentals, new homeowners, and families at the earliest stages of child-rearing, lawmakers hope to build a layered defense against tragedy.

This package represents one of the most comprehensive drowning prevention initiatives in Florida’s history. If passed, it could reshape the way Floridians—and millions of visitors—interact with pools, turning leisure spaces into safer environments for children. The legislation signals a shift toward accountability, ensuring that property owners, hospitals, and educators all play a role in reducing preventable deaths.