THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	127
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

urging the DEPARTMENT of education to implement ocean and water safety education programs for elementary school students.

WHEREAS, Hawaii has seen a recent spike in ocean drownings; and

WHEREAS, residents and visitors lack sufficient ocean and water safety education; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that from 2005 to 2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings, non-boating related, annually in the United States; and

WHEREAS, one in five people who die from drowning are children fourteen years of age and younger; and

WHEREAS, school districts in other states have included swimming lessons and ocean safety education into their physical education classes; and

WHEREAS, ocean and water safety awareness at a young age is a key factor in drowning prevention; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-ninth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2018, that the Department of Education is urged to implement ocean and water safety education programs for elementary school students; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the ocean and water safety curriculum is requested to include, at a minimum:

(1) Rip current awareness;

(2) Ocean safety tips; and

(3) Proper swimming techniques; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and Superintendent of Education.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Ocean and water safety education programs; department of education