New York Assembly Bill A01080

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/8/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes a mandatory statewide, classroom-based water safety education program; provides that the commissioner of education shall work with New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance certified educators to develop and promulgate a statewide, age-appropriate, classroom-based water safety education guidance document; provides that within twenty-four months of the effective date of the bill, the department of education shall initiate statewide implementation of water safety education; provides that instruction shall be classroom-based and waterless and shall not require student access to aquatic facilities, swimming instruction, or in-water assessment.

Impact

If enacted, A01080 will amend the education law to add a new section specifically focused on water safety education. The New York State Department of Education, in collaboration with certified educators, will be responsible for developing an age-appropriate guidance document to be implemented in public schools and early-childhood education settings within twenty-four months of the bill's effective date. This guidance will include essential safe behaviors, recognition of water-related hazards, and emergency response principles tailored to reflect the unique hazards present in various regions of New York, such as flooding and extreme weather conditions.

Summary

Bill A01080 aims to establish a mandatory statewide, classroom-based water safety education program in New York. The bill addresses the alarming rates of accidental drowning, particularly among children and adolescents, and recognizes that inequitable access to swimming instruction and aquatic facilities necessitates a different approach. By mandating a classroom-based, waterless curriculum, the bill aims to provide essential water safety knowledge to all students, regardless of their access to swimming facilities. This initiative is seen as a public health measure similar in importance to fire safety and emergency preparedness education.

Contention

While supporters of the bill argue that it is a crucial step toward increasing public safety and drowning prevention, there may still be challenges in its implementation regarding training for educators and integration into existing educational curricula without added financial burdens. The requirement for classroom-based instruction means that students will not need special access to pools or other aquatic facilities, which can ease potential logistical issues; however, the impact of this on educational resources and local school district policies might generate discussion among stakeholders.

Overall_significance

Overall, A01080 represents a significant shift in how water safety education is perceived and delivered in New York State. By framing water safety education as a fundamental public health initiative, the bill seeks to foster a more knowledgeable and safer environment for all students. The overarching goal is to equip young people with the necessary skills to recognize water-related risks and respond effectively in emergencies, ultimately reducing the incidence of accidental drowning in the state.