UT SB0126

Water safety instruction must be included in physical education core curriculum standards beginning in the 2028-2029 academic year, covering topics such as safe water behaviors, flotation device use, recognizing emergencies, and CPR training

Local education agencies (LEAs) may offer swim instruction, lifeguard certification training, and swim instructor certification training as courses for physical education credit starting in the 2026-2027 academic year

Students may be exempted from water safety instruction if a parent/guardian requests exemption or if the instruction is inconsistent with the student's IEP

LEAs may partner with recreation centers, public facilities, or private facilities supervised by certified lifeguards to provide swim and certification programs when school pools are unavailable

Lifeguard and swim instructor certification training programs are available to students at least 15 years old and must be certified by the American Red Cross or an equivalent program approved by the Department of Health and Human Services