Senate Bill S8488

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8488

SPONSOR: JACKSON
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to permitting lifeguard
certification training courses to satisfy required physical education
credits

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL::

This bill would enable students to satisfy physical education require-
ments through lifeguard certification courses.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS::

Section 1. Subdivision 5 of § 803 of the education law is amended to
require the board of regents to adopt rules to permit students to
receive course credit towards successful completion of a lifeguard
certification from a New York State approved lifeguard training program.

Section 2. Effective date.
              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Drowning is a significant public health concern in the United States,
with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating
approximately 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings and 8,000 non-fatal
drownings annually. The consequences of non-fatal drowning can be
severe, including brain damage and long-term disabilities.

This bill recognizes the value of lifeguard training as a practical and
relevant way for students to meet physical education requirements. By
allowing lifeguard certification courses to count toward gym credits,
students are incentivized to acquire lifesaving skills, promoting phys-
ical fitness, and providing an alternative to traditional physical
education courses. This approach can be particularly beneficial for
students interested in pursuing careers in emergency services or those
who enjoy hands-on learning experiences. Integrating lifeguard training
into physical education supports a more diverse and engaging approach
while enhancing student preparedness for real-world emergencies.

In the city of New York, the need for trained lifeguards is particularly
pressing given the current shortage. The Department of Parks and Recre-
ation has struggled to maintain adequate staffing, hiring only 650 life-
guards in 2023, far short of the 1,400 lifeguards employed pre-pandemic.
By promoting lifeguard training in schools, this bill will address this
shortage and ensure that our city's pools and beaches are safely
staffed.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY::

This is a new bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS::

To be determined

 
EFFECTIVE DATE::
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall become
law.