NY A10251

Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, school districts must provide information to parents or guardians when a child initially enrolls regarding the importance of water safety education courses and swimming lessons in saving lives.

Information must be provided electronically or in hard copy and include local options for age-appropriate water safety courses and swimming lessons that result in completion certificates, including free or reduced-price options.

For students age 18 or older, or those under 21 enrolling in adult education classes, the information must be provided directly to the student rather than a parent or guardian.

"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, including fatal or non-fatal drowning.

The act takes effect July 1, 2024.