[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 117 (Thursday, July 24, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING SHIRLEY HAROLD

                                  _____
                                 

                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2014

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Shirley 
Harold for her hard work and determination in the fight to keep young 
kids safe around water.
  In March 2008, Ms. Harold experienced the pain no parent or 
grandparent should ever have to. Her 2-year-old grandson J'Mari drowned 
in a swimming pool.
  Since then, her goal has been to educate her community on the 
importance of swimming lessons, CPR and layers of protection to prevent 
drowning.
  In 2007, I ushered through Congress the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool 
and Spa Safety Act, the first federal pool and spa safety law on the 
books in our country.
  This law has a specific focus on public swimming pools, which is a 
key component in the fight against accidental drowning.
  But we all know that many of these tragedies are occurring in 
residential swimming pools as well, which VGB does not cover.
  Despite our best efforts to find common sense solutions to these 
preventable tragedies, we are collectively frustrated and disappointed 
that we haven't been able to get a better handle on how to resolve what 
we believe is a preventable crisis.
  We have already experienced 7 drowning deaths among children 0-4 
years of age in Broward County this year. And that doesn't include the 
near-drowning victims.
  It pains me to say that Florida is leading the nation in drownings 
under age 14, with 32 deaths between January and May occurring 
statewide. At this time last year there were 14 deaths.
  Since J'Mari's death in 2008, Shirley has become a fierce advocate 
for pool safety. On Saturday, July 26, her foundation, J'Mari and 
Friends is holding a community forum. Parents and children will learn 
CPR and drowning prevention tips.
  I commend Shirley's commitment in her dedication to teaching young 
children to swim.

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