Drowning prevention: public schools: informational materials: swim lesson vouchers and swim lesson directory.

Assembly Member Davies proposes comprehensive changes to California's drowning prevention framework through legislation that would modify how schools receive water safety materials and create new programs to expand access to swim lessons. The bill requires drowning prevention organizations to provide schools with CDC-aligned educational materials in English at no cost, while encouraging materials in other commonly spoken languages based on school demographics.

The legislation establishes a Swim Lesson Voucher and Swim Lesson Directory Development Plan Partnership within the State Department of Public Health's Injury and Violence Prevention Branch. This 10-member advisory group, comprising parks and recreation leaders, state agency representatives, and drowning prevention experts, must develop guidelines for providing swim lesson vouchers to children under 18 from families earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level. The partnership must also create a free, public online directory of swim lesson programs organized by county, including program details, instructor qualifications, and enrollment information.

By July 2027, the partnership must establish a network of public and private swim lesson providers that accept vouchers, develop application criteria, and create an action plan to secure ongoing funding from foundations, corporate donors, and other sources. The program includes provisions to ensure at least one swim lesson provider operates in each county and within five miles of metropolitan areas with populations over 50,000. These provisions expire in July 2028 unless additional funding is secured through the state budget or other sources.