Bill

Bill > A3714


NJ A3714

NJ A3714
Requires swimming pools to offer deep water swimming tests to children 12 years of age and younger upon request.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 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 children aged 12 and under upon request from the child or their guardian. A "deep water swimming test" is defined as an assessment by a lifeguard to ensure a swimmer can safely enter water deeper than their chest, requiring them to swim 50 meters (or 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 in the pool, with an exception for members of the pool's swim team. The availability of these tests will be verified during health authority inspections and included in the Department of Health's "Checklist for Public Recreational Bathing Facilities."

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (4)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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