Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB50

Introduced
1/30/23  
Refer
1/31/23  
Introduced
1/30/23  
Report Pass
2/15/23  
Refer
1/31/23  
Engrossed
2/23/23  
Report Pass
2/15/23  
Report Pass
3/7/24  
Engrossed
2/23/23  
Enrolled
4/2/24  
Report Pass
3/7/24  
Chaptered
4/22/24  
Enrolled
4/2/24  
Chaptered
4/22/24  

Caption

Education; local boards of education which operate a school with grades nine through 12 may provide instruction in lifeguarding and aquatic safety; provide

Impact

The bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, state standards must be established for lifeguarding instruction to ensure a standardized educational framework across districts. Local education authorities will have the flexibility to design their own curriculum, but all must align with the state's requirements. This could lead to more consistent training methods statewide and prepare students to enter the workforce with valuable skills, increasing overall job readiness in emergency response roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 50 aims to amend the Georgia Code to allow local boards of education that operate high schools to provide instruction in lifeguarding and aquatic safety. This initiative is designed to equip students with essential life skills, potentially enabling them to become certified lifeguards upon successful course completion. The proposed curriculum will incorporate psychomotor skills necessary for effective lifeguarding and will begin to be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB50 appears to be supportive among education and community advocates who recognize the value of teaching lifeguarding as a practical skill. Proponents argue that it is crucial for student safety, particularly in areas with significant swimming facilities. However, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of resources and funding for these new programs, especially in underfunded school districts that may struggle to offer such specialized training.

Contention

While there is enthusiasm for expanding educational offerings to include lifeguarding, concerns have been raised about whether local schools can adequately fund and implement such programs. Critics of the bill may argue that the focus should instead be on traditional academic subjects, and that adding vocational training could divert attention from core educational goals. Additionally, there is a need for qualified instructors which may pose a challenge in some regions, thus impacting the quality of the training provided.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA SB401

Education; local boards of education shall be required to provide instruction in firearm safety in kindergarten through grade 12; provide

GA HB451

Quality Basic Education Act; local boards shall be authorized to provide instruction in hunting safety in grades six through 12; provide

GA HB618

Virtual public schools; authorize operation of by certain educational providers or locally sponsored virtual public schools.

GA SB425

Education; all schools that receive state funding with students in any of grades three through five to provide instruction in cursive handwriting to all students by no later than third grade; require

GA A01080

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.

GA S09480

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.

GA HF2510

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents. (Formerly HSB 714.)

GA HSB714

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts.(See HF 2510.)

GA HB584

Public education; screen-based instruction limited in kindergarten through fifth grade, State Board of Education required to adopt standards, Instructional Technology Task Force established

GA SB420

Enacting the Holocaust education act to require school districts to provide instruction on Holocaust education and awareness as part of the social studies curriculum for students in grades six through 12.

Similar Bills

NJ S786

Requires school districts to provide instruction on water safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A2265

Requires provision of water safety instruction as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A1583

Requires school districts to provide instruction on water safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

UT SB0126

School Swimming and Lifeguarding Programs

UT HB0247

School Swimming and Lifeguarding Programs

HI HB1234

Relating To Water Safety.

HI HB1234

Relating To Water Safety.

VA HB705

Health Ed. SOL & Curriculum Framework; Board of Education to include water safety instruction.