Hawaii SB1223 establishes a water safety education pilot program in elementary schools near swimming pools to reduce drowning incidents.

The bill aims to address the high rate of drowning incidents in Hawaii, particularly among children and low-income students. It mandates the Department of Education to create a standards-based water safety education pilot program in elementary schools within 1.5 miles of a swimming pool. The program will be delivered during school hours, use a curriculum aligned with state standards, and cover fifteen water safety competencies. It will focus on developing student knowledge, safe behaviors, and aquatic skills. The Department of Education must submit a report to the legislature by 2026.

Hawaii SB1223 establishes a water safety education pilot program in elementary schools near swimming pools to reduce drowning incidents.

The bill aims to address the high rate of drowning incidents in Hawaii, particularly among children and low-income students. It mandates the Department of Education to create a standards-based water safety education pilot program in elementary schools within 1.5 miles of a swimming pool. The program will be delivered during school hours, use a curriculum aligned with state standards, and cover fifteen water safety competencies. It will focus on developing student knowledge, safe behaviors, and aquatic skills. The Department of Education must submit a report to the legislature by 2026.