Izzy’s Law now into effect 2 years after drowning death of 4-year-old

ALBANY, Ga. – While summer may be a few months out, a new legislation that went into effect will see training for lifeguards increase across the state to prevent deaths by drowning.

In the summer of 2022, four year old, Israel “Izzy” Scott passed away in a swim lesson by drowning.

The bill was passed during 2023’s legislative session, with YMCA presidents like Albany’s Dan Gillan came together with Georgia Senator Max Burns to draft Izzy’s Law and get it passed.

“Ultimately, this legislation is going to result in all swim instructors, if they’re giving swim instruction, to have an aquatic safety plan that they adhere to, that talk about not only the training, but the safety protocols in the event of an emergency,” said Dan Gillan, Albany Area YMCA, President.

Dan tells us about the protections that will need to be in place for pools everywhere, similar to his and others’ YMCA.

“It requires privately owned, residential pools where a lot of swim instruction takes place. It requires them to follow and adhere to the standards of making sure the certification and training is there. Making sure there’s another set of eyes…” said Gillan.

Joseph Williams is a certified lifeguard at the Albany YMCA, and he says that having more people become certified will be a great tool to have.

“…Especially in today’s world, where safety is becoming more and more important, it’s a good thing to know that there’s precautions being taken around the water. Because some people don’t know how dangerous pools can be,” said Joseph Williams, Lifeguard.

But, as Dan tells us, it’s about time legislation like this to prevent drownings is in place.

“…And, it’s tragic that it had to take a situation, an event like this to jumpstart the process to mandate this be put in to place. But, it is what it is. And, I think ultimately there’s going to be good that comes from it,” said Gillan.

With Izzy’s Law in effect, lifeguards like Joseph believe that it is very possible to prevent all drowning deaths in Georgia.

According to the legislation, every swim instructor in the state of Georgia will need to have a safety plan in place before they can give lessons by April first of this year.

Brian Roche reporting.

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