Bill > SB1223

This bill establishes a standards-based Water Safety Education Pilot Program in response to Hawaii's high drowning rates, particularly among children and youth. The program will be implemented by the Department of Education at an elementary school within 1.5 miles of a swimming pool, in partnership with a community organization. The pilot program will deliver water safety education during school hours, using a curriculum aligned with state physical education and health standards, and covering fifteen water safety competencies. The program's objectives include developing students' water safety knowledge, safe behaviors, risk-management skills, and aquatic motor and survival skills. The bill recognizes that drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged one to fifteen in Hawaii, with less than two percent of second graders possessing basic water safety skills, and aims to address this critical public health concern. The Department of Education will be required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature before the 2026 regular session, and the bill appropriates funds for the program's implementation in fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The program aligns with the United States National Water Safety Action Plan and the 2025 Hawaii Water Safety Plan, with the goal of reducing drowning incidents and promoting water safety awareness.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1223&year=2026