The state Senate voted unanimously on March 31 to approve state Rep. Peter Abbarno’s bill addressing the issue of cold water shock drownings.
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.
The bill would require state government agencies and local governments to erect signs warning of drowning hazards when replacing signs or erecting signs near waterways. Signs would be erected at the same time upgrades are made to bridges and other water-adjacent infrastructure in order to reduce 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."
Abbarno proposed a similar bill during the 2022 legislative session but the bill failed to pass before a key legislative deadline.
"I want to thank Senator (John) Braun and Representative (Ed) 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."
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, human bodies respond to cold-water immersion with an increase in heartbeat and blood pressure, faster breathing, uncontrollable gasping, and sometimes uncontrollable movement. The reaction can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, which can be deadly. As many as 20% of victims died within the first two minutes.
State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, was the prime sponsor of the Senate companion bill.
HB 1004 now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee to be signed into law.
