REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A SWIMMER CLASSIFICATION FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

HR151

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

151

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

requesting the department of education to establish a
swimmer classification framework for public schools
.

����
WHEREAS, Hawaii
is an island state in which regular interaction with the ocean is an integral
part of daily life, cultural practice, and physical recreation; and

����
WHEREAS, the
ocean waters surrounding the State are among the most powerful and dangerous in
the world; and

����
WHEREAS, swimming
and water-safety skills are essential life skills that contribute to safety,
health, and overall well-being; and

����
WHEREAS, despite
Hawaii's ocean
‑
centered environment, opportunities for water
‑
safety
education and swimming proficiency vary significantly across schools, and there
is currently no standardized swimmer classification or proficiency benchmark
for students participating in water
‑
related activities in public
schools; and

����
WHEREAS, establishing
a swimmer classification system would support safer participation in physical
education, interscholastic athletics, outdoor education, and enrichment
programs, while promoting equity in access to essential water
‑
safety
skills; now, therefore,

����
BE IT
RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the
State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Department of Education is
requested to establish a swimmer classification framework for public schools;
and

����
BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that in developing the swimmer classification framework, the
Department of Education is requested to use the swimmer classification
framework developed by the Leahi Swim School and N
ā Kama Kai, which establishes the following
classifications:

����
(1)
�
A "Swimmer" demonstrates full water
competency and is capable of sustained, independent swimming in open ocean and
pool environments, showing readiness for safe recreation, competitive
participation, and responsible engagement in Hawaii's waterways, and meets the
following criteria:

���������
(A)
�
Can swim two hundred yards continuously using
proper technique;

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(B)
�
Can tread water for two minutes without
assistance;

���������
(C)
�
Shows proficiency in at least one of the following
competitive swimming strokes:

�������������
(i)
�
Freestyle;

������������
(ii)
�
Backstroke

�����������
(iii)
�
Breaststroke; or

������������
(iv)
�
Butterfly;

���������
(D)
�
Demonstrates controlled breathing and
effective air exchange while face and eyes are submerged; and

���������
(E)
�
Exhibits situational awareness, including
recognizing changing conditions such as currents, waves, and weather;

����
(2)
�
A "Water Safe Individual" is
comfortable in deep water, demonstrates short-distance, unassisted swimming and
basic survival skills, reflecting readiness for safe recreation in pools and
calm ocean areas, and meets the following criteria:

���������
(A)
�
Can swim fifty yards continuously using any
swimming stroke;

���������
(B)
�
Can tread water for thirty seconds without
assistance;

���������
(C)
�
Can float calmly on the back and roll to a
resting position for self-rescue;

���������
(D)
�
Enters and exits deep water safely and with
confidence;

���������
(E)
�
Understands the importance of swimming with
others and avoiding hazardous conditions; and

���������
(F)
�
Understanding ocean conditions, including
recognizing currents, tides, and shore break; and

����
(3)
�
A "Water Smart Individual"
understands and practices key principles of ocean safety, cultural awareness,
and environmental respect, with an emphasis on education and proactive safety
behaviors, building a foundation for responsible enjoyment of Hawaii's waters,
and meets the following criteria:

���������
(A)
�
Has reviewed and understands the Nā Kama
Kai "KAI" Model, to know your limits, ask a lifeguard, and identify
hazards;

���������
(B)

Can explain and demonstrate understanding of:

�������������
(i)
�
Ocean conditions, including recognizing beach
and pool safety signage and what each symbol means;

������������
(ii)
�
Cultural respect, including entering the ocean
with aloha, awareness, and gratitude; and

�����������
(iii)
�
Environmental responsibility, including
protecting reefs, wildlife, and coastal ecosystems; and

���������
(C)
�
Practices mālama i ke kai, caring for the
ocean and those who share it; and

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BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
Superintendent of Education.

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:
�

Department
of Education; Public Schools; Swimmer Classification Framework