New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2854

Introduced
1/13/26  
Refer
1/13/26  
Failed
1/13/26  

Caption

Requires development of educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools; requires DOE to maintain list of locations providing swim lessons.

Impact

The bill mandates that every school district distribute the water safety fact sheet annually to the guardians of enrolled students, thereby institutionalizing water safety education in New Jersey's educational system. Furthermore, it instructs schools to compile and maintain a list of nearby locations offering swimming lessons and age-appropriate water safety courses. By providing accessible resources, the bill aims to improve awareness and readiness among families regarding water hazards, potentially reducing drowning incidents among children.

Summary

Senate Bill S2854, introduced in the New Jersey legislature, aims to enhance water safety education for children by requiring the Department of Children and Families to develop an educational fact sheet. This fact sheet will be disseminated to public and nonpublic schools to educate parents and guardians about reducing the risk of injury or drowning. The sheet will cover essential topics, including the importance of water safety courses, the use of flotation devices, and monitoring water conditions, thus fostering safer aquatic environments for children.

Contention

Notably, there are no significant points of contention around the bill within the provided documentation, indicating a general consensus on the importance of water safety education. By consulting with recognized water safety organizations during the development phase, the bill appears to align with expert recommendations, enhancing its credibility. The collaborative approach underscores an effort to deliver robust educational materials, which could be integrated into the broader framework of child safety measures in New Jersey.

Companion Bills

NJ A4763

Carry Over Requires development of educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools; requires school districts to maintain list of locations providing swim lessons in certain circumstances.

NJ S3767

Carry Over Requires development of educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools; requires school districts to maintain list of locations providing swim lessons in certain circumstances.

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