RELATING TO WATER SAFETY.

HB1234

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1234

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating
to water safety
.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

����
SECTION
1.
�
The legislature finds that drowning
is the leading cause of death for children aged one to fifteen in the State and
disproportionately affects individuals under the age of twenty-five.
�
This preventable tragedy represents a
significant public health concern and underscores the urgent need for action to
address water safety in our island state.
�

Hawaii's resident drowning rate is the second highest in the nation,
highlighting a critical gap in water safety education and resources.
�
Less than two per cent of Hawaii's second
graders possess basic skills necessary to avoid or recover from drowning,
further emphasizing the importance of implementing comprehensive water safety
measures.
�
Low-income students have even
lower percentages, and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are
disproportionately affected by drowning.
�

This disparity underscores the necessity for equitable, culturally
responsive interventions that address the specific needs of these
communities.
�
Also, teaching students how
to safely access wai and kai aligns with the department of education's Nā
Hopena A
ʻ
o
(HĀ): "A department-wide framework to develop the skills, behaviors
and dispositions that are reminiscent of Hawaii's unique context, and to honor
the qualities and values of the indigenous language and culture of
Hawaii."

����
The
legislature further finds that evidence-based approaches demonstrate that
drowning is preventable.
�
Research shows
that one month of formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning in
children by eighty-eight per cent.
�
The
legislature recognizes the importance of investing in water safety education
and ensuring equitable access to lifesaving resources in order to reduce health
disparities and promote a culture of water safety.
�
In an effort to increase water safety
awareness across the State, the legislature enacted Act 24, Session Laws of
Hawaii 2024, to designate May 15 of each year as Water Safety Day.
�
Expanding access to swimming lessons and water
safety education is a proven strategy to protect Hawaii's youth and reduce
drowning incidents statewide.

����
Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to require, and appropriate funds to, the department
of education to establish a standards-based water safety education pilot
program.
�
This Act aligns with the United
States National Water Safety Action Plan, a ten-year roadmap designed to reduce
drowning incidents through collective action.
�
Additionally, it directly supports the 2025
Hawaii Water Safety Plan's recommendations, which aim to enhance water safety
and prevent drowning in our communities.

����
SECTION
2.
�
(a)
�

The department of education shall establish a standards-based water
safety education pilot program at an elementary school that is within 1.5 miles
of a swimming pool.
�
The department of
education shall partner with an existing community organization to facilitate
the pilot program.

����
(b)
�
The pilot program shall:

����
(1)
�
Deliver water safety education during school
hours;

����
(2)
�
Utilize a curriculum aligned with state
physical education and health education standards;

����
(3)
�
Provide education that addresses each of the
fifteen water safety competencies; and

����
(4)
�
Have the following objectives:

���������
(A)
�
Development of student water safety knowledge;

���������
(B)
�
Development of safe behaviors and
risk-management skills; and

���������
(C)
�
Development of aquatic motor skills and
survival skills.

����
(c)
�
The department of education shall submit a
report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation,
to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the
regular session of
2026.

����
SECTION 3.
�
There is appropriated out of the general
revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of
$ or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so
much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department
of education to establish the standards-based water safety education pilot
program required under this Act.

����
The sums

appropriated shall be expended by the department
of education for the purposes of this Act.

����
SECTION 4.
�
This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DOE;
Standards-based Water Safety Education Pilot Program; Appropriation

Description:

Requires,
and appropriates funds for, the Department of Education to establish a standards-based
Water Safety Education Pilot Program.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.