Water safety instruction required in health curriculum.

HF 3306 requires Minnesota public school districts to include culturally responsive water safety instruction in the health curriculum. Specifically, districts with swimming pools must provide at least eight weeks of swim instruction for all grade 3 students, led by staff trained to address barriers like financial costs for swimwear or hair care, historical fears of swimming, and lack of pool access. The bill mandates this instruction be designed to reduce drowning risks while addressing systemic barriers. Parents may opt their child out if the student has a physical inability or water-related trauma preventing participation. The requirement takes effect for the 2026-2027 school year.