Bill > SR0125

This resolution encourages Illinois school districts to implement age-appropriate water safety education programs to reduce drowning and injury risks, recognizing the state's extensive water resources and the critical need for swimming skills. The resolution highlights alarming statistics, such as drowning being the leading cause of unintentional death for children aged 1-4 and that 54% of adult Americans cannot swim well enough to save themselves in an emergency. It references the Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS) program, which aims to ensure children learn to swim and provides scholarships to low-income families, and notes that similar water safety legislation has been successfully implemented in Florida, Georgia, and Arkansas. The resolution specifically calls on school districts to provide education about water safety, swimming skills, and local options for swim lessons, with the ultimate goal of creating a generation of swimmers who are safer and more prepared around water. Additionally, the resolution directs copies of the document to be sent to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the ECAS program to support these educational efforts.

Education

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=125&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SR&SessionID=114&GA=104