(LANSING) - Michigan lawmakers are considering a bill that would require public schools to teach water safety as part of physical education classes.
According to Bridge Michigan, House Bill 4477 would require schools to provide instruction on safe behavior in and around water, the use of flotation devices, recognizing water conditions, and administering CPR to drowning victims.
Students would also learn about the risks of alcohol or substance use during water recreation.
The Michigan House Education and Workforce Committee discussed the bill Wednesday but did not take a vote.
State records show 115 drowning deaths in Michigan in 2024, including 19 involving people age 19 and younger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 5 to 14.
If approved, the Michigan Department of Education would develop or adopt a water safety curriculum for schools, while the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services would create a water safety information handout for families.
Supporters say many students receive little or no instruction on water safety in school.
Michigan borders four Great Lakes and has thousands of inland lakes and rivers.
Research cited by lawmakers found only about 11 percent of teachers report their schools currently provide water safety instruction.
Some lawmakers say they want more feedback from school districts before deciding whether to support the bill.
If passed, Michigan would join states such as Louisiana, which requires water safety instruction in schools, and New York, which requires districts to provide water safety information to parents.