Article 16. Aquatic Safety of California Education Code >> Division 4. >> Title 2. >> Part 28. >> Chapter 5. >> Article 16.

The Legislature finds that, given the great diversity of water recreation activities available statewide and the significant loss of life associated with those activities, there is a great need for an aquatic safety program in the state. It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this article that fundamental water safety training be provided for all the children of the state so that California's youth will be able to enjoy water recreation while avoiding its hazards.

The Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the State Department of Education and other appropriate agencies, industry, and nonprofit organizations involved with water safety, shall develop an aquatic safety program which shall be made available for use at an appropriate grade level in public elementary schools, as determined by the Director of Boating and Waterways, at no expense to the schools. The aquatic education program shall include, but not be limited to, an audiovisual instructional aid and parental involvement materials. The Department of Boating and Waterways shall act as liaison between the schools and school districts and the industry and nonprofit organizations involved with water safety.

Once developed, the Department of Boating and Waterways shall notify the schools and school districts of the availability of the aquatic safety program.