ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

House: ED DPA 10-0-0-2

HB 2019: schools; water safety; information; resources

Sponsor: Representative Gress, LD 4

House Engrossed

Overview

Directs the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to compile information regarding water safety education courses and swimming lessons on its website. Requires public schools to provide the webpage address for the ADE-compiled information to parents upon enrollment.

History

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 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 ADE, before the 2025-2026 school year, to compile and make available on its website:

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. Instructs each school district and charter school, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, to provide the webpage address for the ADE-compiled information to each parent who initially enrolls a child (Sec. 1)

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

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7. HB 2019

8. Initials CH Page 0 Caucus & COW

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