Water Safety and Swimming Lessons
Arizona has passed a new law, recognized as House Bill 2019 (A.R.S. 15-249.19), which intends to help protect children from drowning, one of the leading causes of accidental death among young kids. This law aims to make water safety education more accessible and effective for families.
What the Law Requires
Starting this school year, all Arizona school districts and charter schools must:
- Provide parents and guardians with an Arizona Department of Education-linked list of certified water safety or swimming lesson programs throughout Arizona in an effort to save lives.
- Ensure these programs are comprehensive and ensure children learn essential swimming and water safety skills.
Why is this Important?
- Drowning prevention: Teaching children how to swim and be safe around water can save lives.
- Empowering families: Parents receive trusted resources to help them choose the right swimming lessons.
- Community safety: The law promotes awareness and education, reducing water-related accidents across Arizona.
ADE has provided a template letter of notification that may be used by School Districts and Charters to utilize when communicating this legislative requirement to newly enrolled students (as required per HB2019) and/or to include in annual student handbooks, as district and charter school governing boards and leadership teams see fit. Please see the PDF below for the template.
Free or reduced price water safety & Swimming Lessons
Salt River Project (SRP) and Aquatic Centers - Free & Low-Cost Swim Lessons - Statewide
Other Regional Options
Every Child a Swimmer - Phoenix and surrounding areas AND GROWING!
Flagstaff Athletic Club Swim Lessons - Northern Arizona and surrounding areas
University of Arizona Youth Swim Lessons - Southern Arizona and surrounding areas
Valley of the Sun YMCA Safety Around Water - Phoenix and surrounding areas
Survival Swim - Connecting you to swimming instructors
Saguaro Aquatics - Serving Tucson and Pima County!
Arizona County Aquatic Centers
| County | Pools |
| Apache | St. John's Swimming Pool |
| Cochise | |
| Coconino | |
| Gila | Globe Pool |
| Graham | City of Safford Community Pool |
| Greenlee | Morenci Swimming Pool |
| La Paz | Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center |
| Maricopa | |
| Mohave | Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center |
| Navajo | Show Low Aquatic Center |
| Pima | |
| Pinal | |
| Santa Cruz | Nogales Parks and Recreation |
| Yavapai | |
| Yuma | Yuma County Aquatics |
