Rep. Ritchie Torres Introduces 'River's Law' After Bronx Daycare Drowning

Tragic Drowning at Bronx Daycare

• 💔 A one-year-old named River Wilson drowned in a swimming pool at a state-licensed daycare, Anna's Butterfly Garden Family Group, in the Bronx on August 1st.
• 😔 The incident occurred while River was supposed to be in a safe environment.

Introduction of 'River's Law'

• 🏛️ In response to the tragedy, Congressman Ritchie Torres has proposed a new law named 'River's Law' in memory of the child.
• 🚫 The proposed law aims to prohibit swimming pools at residential daycare centers.
• 🚨 It would also mandate that residential daycare centers be equipped with alarms to enhance child safety.

Investigation Findings and Oversight Failures

• 🔍 A CBS News New York investigation revealed that inspectors found the pool non-compliant with regulations preventing children's access shortly after River's death.
• ⚠️ Inspectors noted the pool was too close to the house and the surrounding fence was too short.
• 📈 State records indicated that the same pool had been found in compliance during at least eight previous inspections between 2022 and 2025.
• 📉 The daycare lost its license following the drowning, but the primary caregiver has not been charged with a crime.

Family's Call for Accountability and Prevention

• ⚖️ The Wilson family, through their attorney, described the situation as a failure of oversight.
• 🙏 While seeking accountability, the family's primary concern is to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other children.