Maine is an occupational and recreational water state — ocean, beaches, lakes, ponds and rivers. Right as our swimming season starts, the Trump administration laid off the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff responsible for tracking and publishing information on drownings. This CDC office also partners with the YMCA, American Red Cross and others to get at-risk children into swimming lessons. That collaboration has stopped.

Without the work of the CDC staff, patterns in drowning deaths will not be found and shared. CDC leaders have anonymously (for fear of retribution) reported their understanding that further millions of dollars for water safety grants will also be dropped. Is there a fear that these programs reflect a “deep state” collaboration with the swimsuit industry? Could it be a DEI issue? The highest drowning rates occur in American Indian, Alaska Native and Black populations. While not as exciting as new medical treatment breakthroughs, public health saves lives. Drowning is the number one killer of children ages 1 to 4.

The CDC changes are happening despite a Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson recently saying, “The safety and well-being of all Americans — especially our nation’s children — is a top priority of HHS and Secretary Kennedy.”

HHS needs to walk the walk. I’m a former Red Cross-trained lifeguard and water safety instructor. I also have young grandchildren. This program matters to me and millions of other Americans. I thought we were a nation with common sense.

Ronald Bailyn
Cape Elizabeth