FL S0124

Requires children entering public or private schools in Florida to present a certificate of completion for a swimming life skills class taught by a certified instructor (American Red Cross, YMCA, or equivalent) in addition to existing school-entry health examination requirements.

Allows schools to establish policies permitting students up to 120 days to present the swimming skills certificate, with a 30-day temporary exemption for homeless children and those known to the department.

Provides exemptions from the swimming skills requirement for children whose parents object on religious grounds and for children with medical conditions certified in writing by a physician.

Grants authorized school officials the ability to issue temporary exemptions up to 90 days for students transferring from another state so they can complete the class or have records obtained.

Takes effect July 1, 2010, and applies to kindergarten through grade 12 initial school entry in both public and private schools.