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Bill

AC

Bill

A 3578

Requires swimming pools to offer deep water swimming tests to children 12 years of age and younger upon request.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Alixon Collazos-Gill and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey pools must offer deep water swimming tests to children 12 and under upon request to improve water safety assessment and drowning prevention.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee
#children #sports
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Bill Summary · A 3578

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 3578 mandates that swimming pools must provide deep water swimming tests for children ages 12 and younger when parents or guardians request them. The bill establishes a requirement for pool operators to offer this assessment service, though it does not specify standardized testing criteria, who administers tests, or consequences for non-compliance.

Why is this important

Water safety and drowning prevention are significant public health concerns, particularly for children. Providing access to deep water competency assessments could help identify which children are ready for deeper water activities and which need additional instruction, potentially reducing drowning incidents.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability and standardization: The bill doesn't define what constitutes passing a "deep water swimming test," who qualifies to administer it, or how liability is handled if a child passes but later struggles—potentially exposing pools to legal risk.
  • Compliance burden and costs: Small pools and facilities may face operational and insurance challenges implementing new testing requirements without clear guidance or funding support.
  • False sense of security: Parents might interpret test passage as guaranteeing water safety, when other factors (supervision, changing conditions, physical fitness) significantly affect drowning risk.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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