Relates to permitting lifeguard certification training courses to satisfy required physical education credits

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Khaleel Anderson and 28 co-sponsors

Allows lifeguard certification courses to count toward required PE credits, enabling students to meet PE hours via accredited lifeguard training, pending district policies.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION

Bill Summary: A 8918 – Relates to permitting lifeguard certification training courses to satisfy required physical education credits

Overview

Bill A 8918 would authorize lifeguard certification training courses to count toward students’ required physical education (PE) credits. The measure targets school districts and students who seek alternative ways to meet PE requirements by completing accredited lifeguard training.

Purpose and Intent

Expand options for satisfying PE credit requirements by recognizing lifeguard certification training as an affirmative credential that can be used toward the mandatory PE hours.

Provide students with potentially more engaging or career-relevant pathways to fulfill PE obligations, while encouraging water-safety training and certification.

Key Provisions (as described in available materials)

Adds lifeguard certification training courses to the list of eligible activities that can satisfy required physical education credits.

The bill would specify that such courses, when completed, fulfill part or all of a student’s PE credit requirement (details such as the exact credit equivalency, hours, or standards may be addressed in implementing regulations not included in the provided text).

No other modifications to PE requirements appear to be described in the materials provided.

Affected Parties

Students enrolled in K-12 education who are seeking to meet PE credits.

School districts and school administrators responsible for PE curriculum and credit accounting.

Lifeguard training providers and organizations that offer certification courses.

Instructors and teachers who oversee PE credit approvals and records.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status: Referred to the Assembly Committee on Education.

Introduced: July 16, 2025.

Legislative actions: Both actions listed for 2025-07-16 indicate a referral to Education (duplication in the record is noted).

Sponsors:

Primary sponsor: John Zaccaro Jr.
Cosponsors: John T. McDonald III, Phil Steck, Kalman Yeger, Anil Beephan Jr., Khaleel Anderson, Sarah Clark.

Related/Companion Legislation: S 8488 (noted as a companion bill in the Senate).

Potential Impact and Considerations

If enacted, districts would need to recognize lifeguard certification coursework as valid PE credit, potentially requiring updates to district policies, credit-granting criteria, and transcript documentation.

Could influence enrollment in lifeguard training programs as a pathway to meet graduation requirements.

Fiscal and regulatory implications would likely depend on implementing guidance from the Department of Education (details not provided here).

Related Information

Companion bill: S 8488. The presence of a Senate companion suggests parallel consideration in the upper chamber.