This bill amends the Revised School Code to introduce a new section, 1170c, which mandates the development of a model program of instruction on water safety by the Department of Education, in consultation with water safety experts, by December 31, 2025. The program 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. Additionally, starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all students in school districts and public school academies are required to receive age-appropriate water safety instruction as part of their physical education courses.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create and distribute an informational notice on water safety in multiple languages by July 1, 2026, which must be shared with all public and nonpublic schools. This notice will be updated annually to reflect best practices and must be distributed to parents or guardians of students starting October 1, 2026. The bill also provides civil immunity to various entities and individuals involved in the development and dissemination of the water safety information, protecting them from liability related to the notice.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 380.1, 380.1852