State Leaders to Rally at Texas Capitol for Water Safety Day Ahead of Peak Summer Season

Coalition Calls for Action to Prevent Drownings Across Texas

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Texas enters peak water recreation season, the Texas Water Safety Coalition will host Texas Water Safety Day at the Capitol on Friday, May 1, from 8:00–10:00 a.m. on the South Steps of the Texas Capitol.

“Drowning can happen in seconds and without warning,” said Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini. “In 2023 we championed House Bill 59, better known as Cati’s Law, to strengthen water safety protections for Texas children. We must continue to raise awareness and encourage safe practices to prevent future tragedies.”

The public event will bring together state leaders, first responders, healthcare professionals, nonprofit organizations, and community advocates to raise awareness and promote life-saving water safety practices across Texas. The initiative is sponsored by Representative Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin) and Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo), longtime champions for water safety and families impacted by drowning.

“Drowning is a preventable tragedy. I’m so proud of the work we did getting Cati’s Act passed into law. Life jackets can save lives. Bringing awareness to water safety can also save lives. I’m thankful to lead this charge alongside Senator Zaffirini, to protect our families and prevent tragedy,” said Rep Vikki Goodwin.

Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed May 2026 as Water Safety Month in Texas, highlighting the importance of water safety as families spend more time at pools, lakes, rivers, and along the Gulf Coast.

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for young children—especially ages 1 to 4—and often occurs during brief lapses in supervision. Risks increase for teens and adults in open water, where drowning rates nearly triple beginning around age 15, frequently due to changing conditions and low life jacket use. Recreational boating and watersports further elevate these risks.

“These tragedies happen quickly and quietly but they are preventable,” organizers said. “Water safety is lifelong: all ages, all water, always.”

The event will feature educational outreach, safety awareness, and key messages focused on swim education, active supervision, open water safety, boating awareness, and life jacket use. Families who have lost loved ones to drowning will also share powerful personal stories underscoring the importance of prevention.

Participating organizations include:
Boat Safe and Live
Live Like Cati
LV Project
Children’s Health Dallas
Choose Life Jackets
Colin’s Hope
Cook Children’s
Dell Children’s Medical Center
EMS and Rescue Professionals
Greater Austin YMCA
Je’Sani Smith Foundation
Premier Recreation Aquatic Management
Safe Kids Austin
SafeSplash
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Emler Swim School

About the Texas Water Safety Coalition

The Texas Water Safety Coalition is a statewide partnership of organizations, advocates, and professionals dedicated to preventing drowning and promoting safe water practices. Through education, outreach, and collaboration, the coalition works to ensure all Texans are safe in, on, and around the water.