With this statement, the AAP focuses pediatricians, other medical professionals, and most importantly parents on what has proven to be the single most vital aspect of in-water safety for infants and young children….survival swim instruction.

I am gratified about this turn of events after working for more than 40 years in drowning prevention for infants and young children.  It was an honor to be asked to speak on the topic of drowning prevention by NBC’s Today show and to be part of today’s announcement.

I commend the AAP on their dedication to making infants and young children safer. Similarly, I look forward to continuing my work with health-care professionals, community organizations like the YMCA, the JCC, and the AAP on advancing our mutual goal of saving little lives.

Finally, I must reiterate that no child is ever “drown-proofed” regardless of what lessons he or she is enrolled in or has completed from anyone, and there is positively no replacement for active and effective parental supervision.

Today, I spoke for every parent who has trusted us and every baby who has learned ISR skills. I enthusiastically support anything that will keep the next baby from drowning.