HI SB1223

Establishes a standards-based water safety education pilot program at an elementary school located within 1.5 miles of a swimming pool, to be implemented during school hours in partnership with a community organization

Requires the curriculum to align with state physical education and health standards and address all fifteen water safety competencies, including aquatic motor skills, survival skills, and risk-management behaviors

Addresses Hawaii's status as having the second-highest resident drowning rate in the nation, with drowning being the leading cause of death for children ages 1-15 in the state

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to the Department of Education for program implementation

Requires the Department of Education to submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 regular session, with the Act taking effect July 1, 2025