Water Safety

Florida Statute 1003.225 - Water Safety and Swimming Certification

(1) For the purposes of this section, the term “water safety” means age-appropriate education intended to promote safety in, on, and around bodies of water and reduce the risk of injury or drowning.

(2) Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, each public school shall provide, to a parent who initially enrolls his or her child in the school, information on the important role water safety education courses and swimming lessons play in saving lives. The information must be provided electronically or in hard copy and must include local options for age-appropriate water safety courses and swimming lessons that result in a certificate indicating successful completion, including courses and lessons offered for free or at a reduced price. If the student is 18 years of age or older, or is under the age of 21 and is enrolling in adult education classes, the information must be provided to the student.

Why is Water Safety Important?

Drowning Facts in the U.S.:

  • In the United States, there are about 4,000 fatal drownings and 8,000 nonfatal drownings each year. 

  • Drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged 1-4.

  • The most common locations for drowning are home pools or hot tubs for children under five, and natural water like ponds or lakes for children ages 5–17. 

  • Most kids with nonfatal drowning injuries need emergency room care. Half of them will need further care, often in a hospital.

  • Surviving a drowning can leave someone with severe brain damage.

  • Data from the Red Cross, though, shows that swim lessons can reduce the risk of a child drowning by close to 88%.

For more information: