Bill > HB4477

This bill requires the Michigan Department of Education to develop a comprehensive water safety instruction model by December 31, 2025, in consultation with water safety experts. The model must cover key topics including proper use of flotation devices, water condition awareness, safe behaviors around water, pool barriers, swim skills, avoiding substance use near water, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, all school districts and public school academies must provide age-appropriate water safety instruction as part of physical education courses. The Department of Health and Human Services must create an informational notice in English, Spanish, and Arabic about water safety best practices, which schools must distribute to parents annually beginning October 1, 2026. The bill also requires the water safety instruction model to be reviewed and updated yearly, and mandates that water safety informational notices be posted on school and department websites. Importantly, all involved institutions and their employees are granted immunity from civil liability related to the water safety informational notice. The goal of this legislation is to improve water safety awareness and potentially reduce drowning risks among students.

Education

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4477