New York Senate Bill J00886

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/25
• Refer: 4/25/25
• Report Pass: 4/29/25
• Passed: 4/29/25

Caption

Commending the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter upon the occasion of hosting its Swim 1922 Dry Clinic on April 26, 2025

Impact

The Swim 1922 initiative represents a significant step towards reducing drowning rates by providing essential education on water safety and CPR training. The collaboration with USA Swimming emphasizes the importance of accessibility to swimming education, equipping participants with vital life-saving skills. By targeting youth, particularly from underrepresented groups, the program seeks to bridge gaps in water safety knowledge that can lead to tragic outcomes. This resolution not only recognizes the local efforts of the Eta Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter but also underscores the broader implications for community health and individual empowerment.

Summary

J00886 is a resolution commending the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., specifically the Eta Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter, for its commitment to community service and public health initiatives. This bill honors the sorority's upcoming Swim 1922 Dry Clinic, scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA in Brooklyn, New York. The resolution highlights the sorority's long-standing dedication to addressing critical public health concerns, particularly the issue of drowning that disproportionately affects communities of color. The Clinic aims to enhance swim education and water safety awareness among African American and Hispanic youth, reflecting an important public service effort to promote safety and wellness within these communities.

Contention

Although J00886 is a commendatory resolution, it may draw attention to the ongoing challenges related to public health disparities in minority communities. The dialogue surrounding this resolution reflects a recognition of the systemic factors that contribute to high drowning rates among certain demographics. Supporters of the bill emphasize its purpose in highlighting and addressing these disparities, while detractors might question whether such resolutions effectively lead to actionable change within communities or if they merely serve as symbolic gestures.