Atlanta, GA. (WJBF) — Senate Bill 107, also known as Izzy’s Law, was passed by the Georgia Senate on Wednesday.
Izzy’s Law is named for Israel “Izzy” Scott, a 4-year-old who died on June 14, 2022 as a result of a drowning accident while taking swimming lessons in a backyard in Burke County.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Max Burns of Sylvania, would require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a publicly available and downloadable water activity safety plan based on the standards for nationally accredited swimming instructors.
“I’m proud of my Senate peers for passing Izzy’s bill,” said Sen. Burns. “This legislation is incredibly important to me as I have worked closely with Izzy’s family through every step of the legislative process.”
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Izzy law would also require that every private swimming instructor have an aquatic safety plan that includes a necessary student-to-instructor ratio, a secondary supervisor present to assist in the safety of all swimmers, and parents and parents , but not limited to, legal guardians have the opportunity to be present at private swimming lessons.
“Izzy’s Law would ensure our children are protected during swim lessons by creating widely available water activity safety plans. This bill honors the lives of Israel Scott and the entire Scott family, and I am grateful for their standing. We must continue to work for the safety of all young people across the state, and I am pleased to report that Izzy’s bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support,” Senator Burns said.
The bill now goes to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration. You can read the full text of the SB 107 by clicking here.
