BILL NUMBER: S1349C
SPONSOR: CLEARE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring school
districts to provide information regarding water safety information to
certain parents or students upon enrollment
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to require school, districts to provide
parents and guardians with information about water safety education
courses and swimming lessons, promoting water safety awareness and
potentially reducing water-related injuries and fatalities among chil-
dren.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends the education law by adding a new subdivision that
requires school districts, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, to
provide information to parents or guardians about the importance of
water safety courses and swimming lessons.
Section 2. Sets the effectiVe date of the act as July 1, 2026.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among young
children. Educating parents and guardians about water safety and the
availability of swimming lessons can play a crucial role in prevention.
By informing parents and guardians about the benefits of and options for
water safety education, this bill aims to increase participation in
these programs.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal.
 
SOCIETAL IMPACT:
Potential reduction of water-related injuries and fatalities.
 
ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT IMPACT:
Stimulation of economic activity in the sector of water safety education
and swimming instruction.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACT:
Minimal.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: A06042B - referred to education
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S1349: 3205 education law
S1349B: 207 public health law, 207(1) public health law