The Legislature finds and declares both of the following:

1. (a) In California, drowning is the leading cause of death for children 4 years of age and younger, the second leading cause of death for children 5 to 14 years of age, inclusive, and the third leading cause of death for teenagers and youth 15 to 24 years of age, inclusive.
2. (b) Swim instruction provided by persons who are qualified and certified pursuant to Section 116033 increases swim skills and water competency, the development of which is both well established through evidence-based research to have an impact on reducing drowning and is declared an essential component of California’s actions toward preventing drowning for all ages of children and adults.