New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2925

Introduced
6/27/22  

Caption

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

Impact

The adoption of S2925 is likely to enhance public health and safety education within New Jersey schools, addressing a significant gap in the current health curriculum. Drowning statistics indicate that drownings are the fifth leading cause of accidental death in the United States. This bill aims to proactively educate students on safety measures that can reduce such incidents, thus potentially saving lives and fostering a culture of water safety awareness among youth.

Summary

Senate Bill S2925 mandates that all public school districts in New Jersey include water safety instruction within their health education curriculum starting from the 2023-2024 academic year. The bill emphasizes teaching critical water safety skills to students from grades K through 12, aiming to equip them with knowledge about the proper use of flotation devices, awareness of water conditions, and the dangers of rip currents. It intends to prepare students for potential water-related emergencies and underscores the importance of swimming in areas supervised by lifeguards.

Contention

The inclusion of this instruction in the school curriculum may lead to discussions about the adequacy of current health education standards. Some may argue about the resources required for training teachers and implementing these educational changes effectively. There may also be debates surrounding curriculum priorities, particularly regarding the balance between various health topics and physical education. As the bill progresses, stakeholders may voice differing opinions concerning funding, teacher training, and the effectiveness of the proposed instructional methods.

Companion Bills

NJ A618

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

Previously Filed As

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 A1583

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 A4391

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

NJ S67

Requires school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of texting while driving as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ S2986

Requires school districts to provide instruction on bleed control as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A1748

Requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of electronic cigarette usage as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ S594

Requires school districts to provide instruction on risks of compulsive gambling as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A3140

Requires school districts to provide instruction on risks of compulsive gambling as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ S2685

Requires school districts to provide instruction on menstrual health and hygiene as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

Similar Bills

AZ HB2069

Instructional time models; posting requirements

MI SB0453

Education: curriculum; curriculum requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e, 1164f & 1164g.

MI HB4687

Education: curriculum; curriculum requirements; modify. Amends sec. 1278 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1278) & adds secs. 1164, 1164a, 1164c, 1164d, 1164e, 1164f & 1164g.

AZ HB4038

public schools; first day; restriction

CA AB1454

Pupil literacy: credential program standards and professional development: instructional materials.

HI HB63

Relating To Education.

HI HB63

Relating To Education.

WV SB890

Changing certain school calendar requirements from days or months to hours