Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

Georgia Senate Bill SB50

Introduced
1/30/23  
Refer
1/31/23  
Introduced
1/30/23  
Report Pass
2/15/23  
Refer
1/31/23  
Engrossed
2/23/23  
Report Pass
2/15/23  
Report Pass
3/7/24  
Engrossed
2/23/23  
Enrolled
4/2/24  
Report Pass
3/7/24  
Chaptered
4/22/24  
Enrolled
4/2/24  
Chaptered
4/22/24  

Caption

Education; local boards of education which operate a school with grades nine through 12 may provide instruction in lifeguarding and aquatic safety; provide

Impact

The bill mandates that by January 1, 2026, state standards must be established for lifeguarding instruction to ensure a standardized educational framework across districts. Local education authorities will have the flexibility to design their own curriculum, but all must align with the state's requirements. This could lead to more consistent training methods statewide and prepare students to enter the workforce with valuable skills, increasing overall job readiness in emergency response roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 50 aims to amend the Georgia Code to allow local boards of education that operate high schools to provide instruction in lifeguarding and aquatic safety. This initiative is designed to equip students with essential life skills, potentially enabling them to become certified lifeguards upon successful course completion. The proposed curriculum will incorporate psychomotor skills necessary for effective lifeguarding and will begin to be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB50 appears to be supportive among education and community advocates who recognize the value of teaching lifeguarding as a practical skill. Proponents argue that it is crucial for student safety, particularly in areas with significant swimming facilities. However, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of resources and funding for these new programs, especially in underfunded school districts that may struggle to offer such specialized training.

Contention

While there is enthusiasm for expanding educational offerings to include lifeguarding, concerns have been raised about whether local schools can adequately fund and implement such programs. Critics of the bill may argue that the focus should instead be on traditional academic subjects, and that adding vocational training could divert attention from core educational goals. Additionally, there is a need for qualified instructors which may pose a challenge in some regions, thus impacting the quality of the training provided.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB451

Quality Basic Education Act; local boards shall be authorized to provide instruction in hunting safety in grades six through 12; provide

GA HB1192

Virtual public schools; authorize operation by certain educational providers or locally sponsored virtual public schools.

GA HB282

Quality Basic Education Act; minimum course study in career readiness education for students in grades six through twelve; provide

GA HB1036

Quality Basic Education Act; course of instruction in pregnancy, health, and human development for students in grades nine through 12; require

GA HF2330

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents.(See HF 2544.)

GA HB1290

Quality Basic Education Act; course of study in sex education and HIV/AIDS prevention instruction is age appropriate and provides instruction on consent and intimate partner violence and abuse

GA HB489

Relating to public K-12 education; to require each local board of education to prohibit students from accessing social media platforms through Internet access provided through the schools under the jurisdiction of the local board; and to amend Section 16-6B-2, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide certain students with instruction on social media risks and safety as a required course; and to make nonsubstantive, technical revisions to update the existing code language to current style..

GA HF3272

Prekindergarten through grade 12 education funding provided; general education, literacy and learning, special education, education innovation, and education excellence provisions modified; and money appropriated.

GA HF2544

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the social studies instruction provided to students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the educational programs provided by the institutions of higher education under the control of the state board of regents, and requiring education related to the holocaust for students and teachers in school districts. (Formerly HF 2330.)

GA HB268

Education; safety, health, and well-being of students and school communities; provide

Similar Bills

UT HB0247

School Swimming and Lifeguarding Programs

NJ A3768

Requires provision of water safety instruction as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ S2925

Requires school districts to provide instruction on water safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ S679

Requires school districts to provide instruction on water safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A618

Requires school districts to provide instruction on water safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

NJ A648

Requires school districts to provide instruction on water safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

CA AB1672

Public swimming pools: lifeguards.

CT SB00410

An Act Concerning Paid Internships For High School Students.