School Swimming and Lifeguarding Programs

SB 126 requires Utah public schools to include water safety instruction in physical education curriculum starting in the 2028-2029 school year. It mandates specific topics like safe water behaviors, pool safety, emergency response, and CPR training, while allowing exemptions for students with parental requests or IEPs that conflict with the instruction. Schools may offer swim lessons, lifeguard training, or swim instructor certification as physical education credits, either through school programs or partnerships with community facilities like recreation centers. The bill also establishes rules for verifying outside course completion toward credit requirements. This applies to all Utah public school students and takes effect July 1, 2026, with implementation beginning in 2028-2029.