Swimming and Water Safety

As it pertains to Section 926 of Education Law (EDN) CHAPTER 16, TITLE 1, ARTICLE 19, effective 7/1/2026

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html

1. General Water Safety Principles

The Buddy System: Never swim alone. A partner ensures there is always someone to call for help.
Look Before You Leap: Check water depth and potential hidden obstructions before jumping or diving.
"Reach or Throw, Don't Go": PE teaches students how to rescue others safely from the deck using poles, ropes, or flotation devices, preventing the rescuer from becoming a second victim.
Life Jacket Compliance: Proper use of U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets is emphasized, especially for boating, paddleboarding, or swimming in open water.
Constant Supervision: Educating future parents and adults that a designated "water watcher" must always keep active, undivided visual contact on anyone in the water, free from distractions like phones.

A Leading Cause of Death: Globally, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury death, particularly for children and young adults.
High-Risk Age Groups: Children under 5 are at the highest risk (often in swimming pools or bathtubs), followed closely by adolescents aged 15–19 (frequently in natural water bodies).
Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities: Data consistently show that minority populations and lower-income families experience significantly higher rates of drowning, often due to a historical lack of access to swimming pools and formal lessons.
The "Silent" Killer: Contrary to media depictions, real-life drowning is rarely splashing and screaming. It is typically silent and swift, happening in as little as 20 to 60 seconds.

Lifesaving Physical Literacy: Unlike most team sports, swimming is a fundamental life skill. Integrating it into PE ensures that children, regardless of socioeconomic background, develop basic water competency.
Whole-Body Fitness: Swimming provides a low-impact, high-cardio workout that improves cardiovascular health, muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Inclusivity: It offers an accessible environment for students with physical disabilities or injuries who might struggle with high-impact field sports.
Psychological Benefits: Aquatic education fosters self-confidence, reduces anxiety, and teaches stress management through controlled breathing and movement.

Formal Swimming Lessons: Participation in formal, structured swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among young children by up to 88%.
Water Competency Skills: PE programs focus on teaching the sequential "water competency" checklist:
1. Enter water that is over the head and return to the surface.
2. Float or tread water for at least one minute.
3. Turn around in a full circle and find an exit.
4. Swim at least 25 yards to the exit.
5. Exit the water without using a ladder.
Behavioral Education: Schools teach students to recognize hazards, understand rip currents, and resist peer pressure to engage in risky water behavior.