The Texas Senate convened on May 1, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding water safety, coinciding with the observance of Water Safety Month. The session began with a heartfelt recognition of community leaders dedicated to promoting water safety practices across the state.

A significant focus of the discussion was the alarming statistic that Texas has averaged 83 child drownings per year since 2010. In response to this ongoing crisis, Senator Goodwin highlighted the passage of House Bill 59, which aims to enhance water safety protocols at camps and childcare facilities. This legislation was inspired by the tragic drowning of 16-year-old Kathy de la Pena during a summer camp outing in 2019. Despite her parents' warnings about her inability to swim, Kathy entered the water unsupervised, leading to a preventable tragedy.

Senator Goodwin emphasized the importance of raising awareness and promoting prevention during the month of May, honoring the children lost to drowning incidents. The bill, named in Kathy's memory, serves as a testament to her parents' commitment to transforming their grief into proactive measures that protect other families from similar heartache.

The session also featured the presence of Kathy's mother, Corey de la Pena, along with representatives from various organizations dedicated to child safety, including Dallas Children's Health and the Greater Austin YMCA. Their participation underscored the collaborative effort to prioritize water safety in Texas.

As the meeting concluded, the Senate reaffirmed its commitment to implementing effective safety measures and fostering a culture of awareness to prevent future tragedies. The discussions highlighted the ongoing need for vigilance and community involvement in safeguarding children around water.