Implement Waylon's Law for pool safety in Tennessee
The Issue
Waylon was a Free-Spirited, exploring ,nature loving, sweet, sin-less child. Waylon was always drawn to water so I found myself doing a lot of his learning through water. Waylon was autistic, nonverbal, and an energetic, determined man on-a-mission, seven-year-old boy from Hendersonville, Tennessee. My son, tragically lost his life when he wandered into a neighbor's pool. This devastating incident prompted me to see a crucial need for change in our state—change that could save lives and prevent other families from experiencing such heartache.
Today, I am calling on the Tennessee legislators to pass Waylon's Law, a lifesaving piece of legislation that mandates all residential in-ground swimming pools to be equipped with functioning pool-entry alarm systems. Currently, there is a gap in safety regulations regarding these pools, which places children, especially those like Waylon with special needs who may not respond to danger in typical ways, at greater risk.
Waylon's Law would ensure that all pools, regardless of when they were installed or if they are covered, are compliant with this safety requirement. Pool-entry alarms alert homeowners if someone or something over 15 pounds enters the pool without supervision. This simple yet effective measure can dramatically decrease the risk of accidents, particularly in households with children or in neighborhoods with many young families.These alarms would be a voice for children whom cannot speak if any accident were to occur.A pool cover mandate for in-ground pools by the first day of Fall could completely prevent hypothermia. Law enforcement drones are prevented in locating children due to the thermal imaging technology if a child is in a cold pool or body of water.
Both of these precautions would have saved his life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause for children aged 1-14. For those with autism, accidental drowning accounts for 91% of total deaths for children who wander or elope. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency of implementing stricter safety measures.
The cost of installing a pool-entry alarm and taking the time to cover your pool by the first day of Fall, is minimal compared to the price of losing a child. Access to alarm systems is available and affordable, making this a feasible solution for all pool owners. We owe it to our children to make every effort to keep them safe.
I urge you to support Waylon's Law and protect the lives of Tennessee’s children. Your signature can push our legislators to act swiftly and decisively. Let's unite as a community to honor Waylon's memory and prevent tragedies like this from occurring again. Please sign this petition today and help make Waylon's Law a reality.
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The Issue
Waylon was a Free-Spirited, exploring ,nature loving, sweet, sin-less child. Waylon was always drawn to water so I found myself doing a lot of his learning through water. Waylon was autistic, nonverbal, and an energetic, determined man on-a-mission, seven-year-old boy from Hendersonville, Tennessee. My son, tragically lost his life when he wandered into a neighbor's pool. This devastating incident prompted me to see a crucial need for change in our state—change that could save lives and prevent other families from experiencing such heartache.
Today, I am calling on the Tennessee legislators to pass Waylon's Law, a lifesaving piece of legislation that mandates all residential in-ground swimming pools to be equipped with functioning pool-entry alarm systems. Currently, there is a gap in safety regulations regarding these pools, which places children, especially those like Waylon with special needs who may not respond to danger in typical ways, at greater risk.
Waylon's Law would ensure that all pools, regardless of when they were installed or if they are covered, are compliant with this safety requirement. Pool-entry alarms alert homeowners if someone or something over 15 pounds enters the pool without supervision. This simple yet effective measure can dramatically decrease the risk of accidents, particularly in households with children or in neighborhoods with many young families.These alarms would be a voice for children whom cannot speak if any accident were to occur.A pool cover mandate for in-ground pools by the first day of Fall could completely prevent hypothermia. Law enforcement drones are prevented in locating children due to the thermal imaging technology if a child is in a cold pool or body of water.
Both of these precautions would have saved his life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause for children aged 1-14. For those with autism, accidental drowning accounts for 91% of total deaths for children who wander or elope. These alarming statistics underscore the urgency of implementing stricter safety measures.
The cost of installing a pool-entry alarm and taking the time to cover your pool by the first day of Fall, is minimal compared to the price of losing a child. Access to alarm systems is available and affordable, making this a feasible solution for all pool owners. We owe it to our children to make every effort to keep them safe.
I urge you to support Waylon's Law and protect the lives of Tennessee’s children. Your signature can push our legislators to act swiftly and decisively. Let's unite as a community to honor Waylon's memory and prevent tragedies like this from occurring again. Please sign this petition today and help make Waylon's Law a reality.
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Petition created on October 27, 2026