HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	161
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the department of education to establish a swimmer classification framework for public schools.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii is an island state in which regular interaction with the ocean is an integral part of daily life, cultural practice, and physical recreation; and

 

     WHEREAS, the ocean waters surrounding the State are among the most powerful and dangerous in the world; and

 

     WHEREAS, swimming and water-safety skills are essential life skills that contribute to safety, health, and overall well-being; and

 

     WHEREAS, despite Hawaii's ocean‑centered environment, opportunities for water‑safety education and swimming proficiency vary significantly across schools, and there is currently no standardized swimmer classification or proficiency benchmark for students participating in water‑related activities in public schools; and

 

     WHEREAS, establishing a swimmer classification system would support safer participation in physical education, interscholastic athletics, outdoor education, and enrichment programs, while promoting equity in access to essential water‑safety skills; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Education is requested to establish a swimmer classification framework for public schools; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in developing the swimmer classification framework, the Department of Education is requested to use the swimmer classification framework developed by the Leahi Swim School and N  Kama Kai, which establishes the following classifications:

 

     (1)  A "Swimmer" demonstrates full water competency and is capable of sustained, independent swimming in open ocean and pool environments, showing readiness for safe recreation, competitive participation, and responsible engagement in Hawaii's waterways, and meets the following criteria:

 

          (A)  Can swim two hundred yards continuously using proper technique;

 

          (B)  Can tread water for two minutes without assistance;

 

          (C)  Shows proficiency in at least one of the following competitive swimming strokes:

 

              (i)  Freestyle;

 

             (ii)  Backstroke

 

            (iii)  Breaststroke; or

 

             (iv)  Butterfly;

 

          (D)  Demonstrates controlled breathing and effective air exchange while face and eyes are submerged; and

 

          (E)  Exhibits situational awareness, including recognizing changing conditions such as currents, waves, and weather;

 

     (2)  A "Water Safe Individual" is comfortable in deep water, demonstrates short-distance, unassisted swimming and basic survival skills, reflecting readiness for safe recreation in pools and calm ocean areas, and meets the following criteria:

 

          (A)  Can swim fifty yards continuously using any swimming stroke;

 

          (B)  Can tread water for thirty seconds without assistance;

 

          (C)  Can float calmly on the back and roll to a resting position for self-rescue;

 

          (D)  Enters and exits deep water safely and with confidence;

 

          (E)  Understands the importance of swimming with others and avoiding hazardous conditions; and

 

          (F)  Understanding ocean conditions, including recognizing currents, tides, and shore break; and

 

     (3)  A "Water Smart Individual" understands and practices key principles of ocean safety, cultural awareness, and environmental respect, with an emphasis on education and proactive safety behaviors, building a foundation for responsible enjoyment of Hawaii's waters, and meets the following criteria:

 

          (A)  Has reviewed and understands the N  Kama Kai "KAI" Model, to know your limits, ask a lifeguard, and identify hazards;

 

          (B) Can explain and demonstrate understanding of:

 

              (i)  Ocean conditions, including recognizing beach and pool safety signage and what each symbol means;

 

             (ii)  Cultural respect, including entering the ocean with aloha, awareness, and gratitude; and

 

            (iii)  Environmental responsibility, including protecting reefs, wildlife, and coastal ecosystems; and

 

          (C)  Practices m lama i ke kai, caring for the ocean and those who share it; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Department of Education; Public Schools; Swimmer Classification Framework