N.Y. lawmakers push for campaign on dangers of drowning [Video]

The state budget earmarked $150 million to expand local swimming facilities and teach more New Yorkers to swim, but lawmakers want the state to do more to combat a national rise in fatal drowning accidents — especially in disadvantaged communities.

Accidental drowning kills more than 4,000 people in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is the leading cause of death nationwide for children ages 1 to 4. It’s the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14. 

The risk is higher for disadvantaged communities and mentally disabled people. And fatal and nonfatal drowning is often silent, and easy to miss in a body of water with multiple swimmers.

“Drowning doesn’t look the way Hollywood typically shows it,” said Kim Kowalski, acquatics director with the Capital District YMCA. “It’s not this loud, arms above the head, splashing, yelling, you know — it’s very quiet. It’s a …