BILL NUMBER: S8287
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring rip current,
rip tide and undertow curriculum or instruction
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides for the title of the Act
Section 2 amends the education law to provide for rip current, rip tide,
and undertow curriculum or instruction of which is developed by the
local school districts and charter schools, in consultation with any
appropriate agencies, for middle school and high school students.
Section 3 provides for the effective date of July 1, 2026 and provides
that it shall apply to school years commencing on or after July 1, 2026.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water headed
away from shore that aren't easy for recreational swimmers to spot;
panicked swimmers who find themselves caught in a rip current often try
to swim against it, which only increases their risk of drowning due to
fatigue that quickly turns into exhaustion. According to the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, rip currents are more likely to
occur at low tide, when waves are breaking over sandbars near the shore;
they are commonly found on all surf beaches, including Great Lakes
beaches with average speeds of 1-2 feet per second and can get up to 50
yards wide. Rip Currents account for over 100 deaths each year in the US
according to the United States Lifesaving Association and account for
over 80% of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards. This legislation
and it's objectives are written in honor of Alexandra Demoura, a Nassau
County resident, star athlete at Garden City High School, nationally
recognized gymnast, and student leader at George Washington University,
who was caught in a rip current and tragically lost her life.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.