The proposed 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 December 31, 2025. This program, created 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. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with creating an informational notice on water safety, which will be available in English, Spanish, and Arabic, and shared with all public and nonpublic schools.

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all students enrolled in school districts or public school academies will be required to receive age-appropriate water safety instruction as part of their physical education courses. Schools will have the flexibility to customize this instruction based on their geographic and specific circumstances. The bill also establishes a framework for the annual distribution of the informational notice to parents or guardians and ensures that both the department and educational institutions are granted immunity from civil liability related to the notice.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 380.1, 380.1852