Izzy’s Law, the state senate bill seeking to regulate private swim lessons after a child died in Burke County, passed the state house Monday. It now heads to Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk for a signature.
The bill is named for four-year-old Israel “Izzy” Scott, who slipped into the deep end at the end of a swim lesson and drowned June 14, 2022.
Senate Bill 107 requires private swim instructors to develop and implement a written aquatic safety plan prior to giving any lessons.
The plan must specify:
- The minimum ratio of students to instructors
- That a parent or caregiver may be present
- Recommendations for secondary supervision
- That a supervisor must be certified in CPR
Instructors can develop their own plan or use a model plan being drafted by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
The bill’s lead sponsor, Sen. Max Burns, R-Sylvania, said he worked closely with the family of Izzy Scott in crafting the legislation.
“This bill honors the life of Israel Scott and the entire Scott family, and I am grateful for their advocacy. We must continue to work for the safety of all young people throughout the state,” Burns said after the bill passed the state senate March 1.
The bill passed the house unanimously. Its senate sponsors include Burns and Reps. Harold Jones, D-Augusta, and Lee Anderson, R-Grovetown. It was sponsored in the house by Rep. Scott Hilton, R-Peachtree Corners.
After an extensive investigation, Augusta District Attorney Jared Williams requested the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrest Lexie Tenhuisen, the Burke County swim instructor who was giving the lesson when Israel Scott died. She is charged with involuntary manslaughter, a misdemeanor.
