Meow Meow Foundation principals Doug Forbes and Elena Matyas will appear at the September 14 National Drowning Prevention Alliance Symposium to discuss the critical role that state and federal legislation can play in tackling childhood drowning.

Forbes and Matyas presented at the annual NDPA Conference held in April. The NDPA has reassembled advocates, researchers and other stakeholders in an effort to further develop a National Water Safety Action Plan, inclusive of political advocacy.

In May of this year, Forbes and Matyas introduced the California legislative measure known as Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children, a widely supported and perennial measure that draws attention to this persistent national safety crisis.

In 2022, the couple expects to pass AB 768 (Holden), which would afford drowning prevention education and policies to 6+ million California public school students.

Officials who endorsed both of these measures include Congressman Adam Schiff, Congresswomen Judy Chu and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, California State Senator Anthony Portantino, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Chairwoman — and former Labor Secretary under Obama — Hilda Solis and all four of the remaining Board of Supervisors.

Also in 2022, Forbes and Matyas, through the foundation, will attempt to pass a Roxie’s Wish measure in New Jersey, their former residence for more than four decades. And in 2023, after reengaging the above officials and others, they plan on drafting federal drowning prevention and camp safety bills.