AR HB1157

Public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools must provide information to parents, legal guardians, or persons standing in loco parentis about the importance of water safety education courses and swimming lessons beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

"Water safety" is defined as age-appropriate education intended to promote safety in, on, and around bodies of water and reduce the risk of injury or drowning.

Information must be provided electronically or in hard copy format and include local options for water safety education courses and swimming lessons that result in a certificate of completion, including free or reduced-price options.

Students age 18 and older, or those under 21 enrolling in adult education classes, receive the water safety information directly rather than through parents or guardians.

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall promulgate rules to implement the requirements of this section.