Bill > A01080

This bill establishes a mandatory statewide, classroom-based water safety education program for students in New York, from kindergarten through twelfth grade, as well as in early-childhood education settings. The Commissioner of Education will collaborate with certified educators from the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance to create a guidance document that outlines age-appropriate, "waterless" instruction, meaning it won't require students to be in or around water. This program aims to provide universal access to essential water safety knowledge, comparable to other safety education like fire or traffic safety, and will be integrated into existing school curricula. The guidance document will cover topics such as identifying water hazards, safe behaviors, emergency responses, and the proper use of safety equipment like personal floatation devices (PFDs). Within twenty-four months of the bill's enactment, the Department of Education will begin implementing this program statewide, ensuring that no additional staff or facilities are required.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1080