The Lookout: New Water Safety Information Requirements

he Lookout provides legal updates and practical guidance on timely issues affecting school districts. Each edition focuses on a single topic, making it easy to review and share with others in the district who may benefit from the information.

Water Safety Information Requirements Effective July 1, 2026

• Beginning July 1, 2026, districts must comply with new Education Law Section 926.
  • Sponsor's memo and copy of the law available at: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1349/amendment/C
• On June 16, 2026, NYSED issued a memo on the topic.
• Requires districts to provide information at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year to parents/guardians, either electronically or via written materials, regarding the following:
  • Drowning prevention,
  • Water safety, and
  • Safe and healthy swimming.
• Requires the information is to be provided to parents/guardian of any new enrollees, or to the student if aged 18 or older.
• Requires the district to provide this information on the district’s website in a visible location. Translation of the information into one of the 12 most commonly non-English languages in the state must be provided if requested by the parent/guardian.
• The New York State Department of Health has developed materials for district use.
  • https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/swimming/
  • https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/3112.pdf