Water Safety

Education Law section 926, effective July 1, 2026, requires school districts to provide electronic or written information on water safety to parents/guardians at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, the school district must publish this information on its website. The New York State Department of Health has created a tip card titled Safe Swimming Tips for Everyone for the purpose of providing information regarding drowning prevention, water safety, and safe and healthy swimming. After the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, the electronic or written information is to be provided to the parents/guardians of new enrollees, or to the student if aged 18 years or older. Translation of the information into one of the 12 most commonly non-English languages in the state will be provided if requested by the parent/guardian.