STUDENT WATER SAFETY GUIDANCE

HB 532 requires all New Mexico public school districts and charter schools to create or adopt written or digital water safety guidance for parents. This guidance must include information about local age-appropriate swimming lessons and safety around bodies of water and water infrastructure. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, schools must provide this guidance to parents at student enrollment or no later than the tenth school day, either through handbooks or direct delivery with written acknowledgment. The bill directly affects school boards, charter school governing bodies, and parents of students in New Mexico public schools.