The proposed bill amends the Revised School Code to introduce a new section, 1170c, which mandates the development of a model water safety instruction program by December 31, 2025. This program, created by the department in consultation with water safety experts, must cover essential topics such as the proper use of flotation devices, awareness of water conditions, safe behaviors around water, and the importance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for drowning victims. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all students in school districts and public school academies will be required to receive age-appropriate water safety instruction as part of their physical education courses.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services to create and distribute an informational notice on water safety in multiple languages, which must be updated annually. Schools are required to share this notice with parents or guardians and post relevant links on their websites. The bill also provides civil liability immunity to various entities involved in the implementation of the water safety program and the distribution of the informational notice.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 380.1, 380.1852