New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08488

Introduced
8/22/25  
Refer
8/22/25  

Caption

Directs the regents to adopt rules to permit lifeguard certification training courses to satisfy required physical education credits.

Impact

The implications of this bill reflect a broader acknowledgment of the importance of practical skills in physical education curricula. With this amendment, the New York State Board of Regents would establish rules that validate lifeguarding certifications as a legitimate avenue for students to earn physical education credits. This modification could encourage more schools and educational institutions to offer lifeguard training programs, promoting greater awareness of water safety and emergency response skills among students.

Summary

Bill S08488 aims to amend the education law to allow lifeguard certification training courses to count towards the required physical education credits for students in New York. This legislative change is intended to recognize the value of lifesaving skills and the importance of physical education by providing an alternative means for students to fulfill their physical education requirements. By permitting such courses, the bill seeks to enhance the educational experience and promote participation in swim safety and lifeguard training among students.

Contention

Although the bill appears to have the potential to beneficially reshape educational requirements and emphasize critical life skills, it may face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of lifeguard training programs and their alignment with existing educational standards. Concerns could arise about whether such courses sufficiently address all physical education goals and objectives, and if so, how they would be integrated into the existing curriculum. Additionally, discussions around funding for these programs and their accessibility in schools may also surface as topics of debate.

Companion Bills

NY A08918

Same As Directs the regents to adopt rules to permit lifeguard certification training courses to satisfy required physical education credits.

Previously Filed As

NY A08918

Directs the regents to adopt rules to permit lifeguard certification training courses to satisfy required physical education credits.

NY S09879

Establishes a free lifeguard training program in high schools in a city with a population of one million or more and covers all fees and costs of a state-approved lifeguard certification exam for any student upon completion of the training program.

NY S07892

Directs the commissioner of education to make recommendations to the board of regents regarding the incorporation of instruction in artificial intelligence system literacy into the school curriculum at the elementary, junior high and senior high levels; directs the board of regents to adopt guidelines if the curriculum is adopted.

NY A07937

Enacts the "Lifeguard incentive and debt assistance (LIDA) act", which provides financial aid assistance to eligible students working as lifeguards during such students' academic career at a college or university in the state of New York; provides a one-time debt relief check to post-graduate students who maintain an active lifeguard certification for four years.

NY S04257

Relates to access to educational activities by public assistance recipients who are subject to work participation requirements; allows homework expected or required by an educational institution to count towards satisfaction of the work activity requirements for public assistance benefits for participants engaged in certain educational or training activities.

NY A10363

Relates to access to educational activities by public assistance recipients who are subject to work participation requirements; allows homework expected or required by an educational institution to count towards satisfaction of the work activity requirements for public assistance benefits for participants engaged in certain educational or training activities.

NY A04502

Relates to access to educational activities by public assistance recipients who are subject to work participation requirements; allows homework expected or required by an educational institution to count towards satisfaction of the work activity requirements for public assistance benefits for participants engaged in certain educational or training activities.

NY A09170

Requires course work or training in menopausal health for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, mental health practitioners, psychologists and social workers.

NY A03191

Allows physically disabled individuals who are not able to stand up to complete the two-hour live-fire range training course requirement for a concealed carry license while sitting.

NY A10266

Grants temporary parking permits for handicapped parking spaces to pregnant persons; requires certification from a physician; provides that such permit terminates at the end of the pregnancy.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.