Senate unanimously approves ‘Zack’s Law,’ Rep. Peter Abbarno’s effort to prevent cold-water shock drownings
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Senate unanimously approves ‘Zack’s Law,’ Rep. Peter Abbarno’s effort to prevent cold-water shock drownings
The measure now heads to Gov. Inslee’s desk to be signed into law
The Washington State Senate today unanimously approved Rep. Peter Abbarno’s effort to prevent cold water shock drownings.
The measure is now on its way to Gov. Inslee’s desk to be signed into law.
House Bill 1004, also known as “Zack’s Law,” is named in honor of 18-year-old Zachary Lee Rager, an experienced swimmer who fell victim to cold-water shock and drowned in the Chehalis River on March 23, 2021.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the human body responds to cold-water immersion with an increased heartbeat and blood pressure, faster breathing, uncontrolled gasping, and sometimes uncontrolled movement. Lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, the cold-shock response can be deadly by itself. Victims may panic, take on water in that first uncontrolled gasp, and as many as 20% die in the first two minutes.
Zack’s Law would require state government agencies and local governments to erect signs warning of drowning hazards when replacing signs or erecting signs near dangerous water hazards.
Under the 20th District lawmaker’s proposal, signs would be erected at the same time upgrades are made to bridges and other water-adjacent infrastructure, so there would be no significant costs to taxpayers.
The bill would also create a mechanism for the public to donate funds to the state for the specific purpose of erecting signs in locations known to attract people to what could be hazardous waterways.
“This is fantastic news for the health and safety of communities across Washington state,” said Abbarno, R-Centralia. “Zack’s Law will help educate the public about the very real dangers posed by diving or jumping into cold water, even on warm, sunny days in the spring or fall. Today’s action will prevent future tragedies and save lives.”
This is Abbarno’s second attempt to get Zack’s Law through the Legislature. In 2022, he introduced an identical measure: House Bill 1595.
“I want to thank Senator Braun and Representative Orcutt for their efforts on this policy,” added Abbarno. “All three of our delegation members in the 20th District helped with this policy and worked with the family. Ultimately, I am happiest for Zack’s family.”
HB 1004 passed the House unanimously on March 7.
Senate Republican Leader John Braun, R-Centralia, is the prime sponsor of the Senate companion bill: Senate Bill 5673
