Bill

Bill > S2955


NJ S2955

NJ S2955
Requires swimming pools to offer deep water swimming tests to children 12 years of age and younger upon request.


summary

Introduced
03/11/2024
In Committee
03/11/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires a swimming pool in the State to offer deep water swimming tests to any patron 12 years of age or younger, upon the request of the patron or the patron's guardian. Until such a patron has successfully completed a deep water swimming test, the patron is to be required to be accompanied by an adult, within arm's length of the patron, while swimming in the pool; except that a patron who is a member of the pool's swim team, if applicable, is to be exempt from the provisions of the bill. Confirmation of the availability of such deep water swimming tests is to be included in an inspection of the pool by a health authority and within the Checklist for Public Recreational Bathing Facilities developed by the Department of Health. For the purposes of the bill, "deep water swimming test" means a swimming skill assessment, conducted by a lifeguard employed by the swimming pool, to determine a swimmer's ability to enter water that is deeper than the swimmer's chest. At a minimum, in order to pass the deep water swimming test, the patron must be able to swim 50 meters, or two laps of the swimming pool, and tread water for 30 seconds.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that all swimming pools must offer a "deep water swimming test" to any child 12 years old or younger who requests it, or whose guardian requests it. A "deep water swimming test" is defined as an assessment by a lifeguard to see if a swimmer can safely enter water deeper than their chest, requiring them to swim 50 meters (two laps) and tread water for 30 seconds. Until a child passes this test, they must be supervised by an adult within arm's reach while swimming, unless they are part of the pool's swim team. The availability of these tests will be verified during health authority inspections and included in a checklist developed by the Department of Health. This measure aims to enhance water safety for young swimmers by ensuring they can demonstrate basic swimming proficiency before being allowed in deeper water without direct adult supervision.

Committee Categories

Health and Social Services

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 03/11/2024)

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