ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

HB 2019: schools; water safety; information; resources

Sponsor: Representative Gress, LD 4

Committee on Education

Overview

Requires a school district or charter school to provide specified information regarding water safety courses and swimming lessons to parents who enroll a child and to students who are at least 18 years old.

History

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged one to four in Arizona. DHS maintains a list of information and resources regarding water safety and swimming lessons (DHS).

The Arizona Child Fatality Review (ACFR) Program provides an annual comprehensive review of every child less than 18 years old who died in Arizona. The November 2024 report contains drowning death prevention recommendations for parents, healthcare facilities, policymakers, participating agencies, schools and community-based organizations, including the recommendation that swim lessons are made available and accessible, especially for children after the age of one (ACFR Program 31st Report).

Provisions

1. Requires a school district or charter school, beginning the 2025-2026 school year, to provide each parent who initially enrolls a child and each student who is at least 18 years old:

a) information on the role of water safety education courses and swimming lessons in saving lives; and

b) a list of local providers of water safety courses or swimming lessons that result in certification. (Sec. 1)

2. Specifies the information and list must be provided in an electronic or printed format. (Sec. 1)

3. Defines water safety course. (Sec. 1)

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