Dan Carden

A Northwest Indiana lawmaker's proposal to require water safety instruction at every elementary and secondary school in the state has earned a key endorsement ahead of the 2026 General Assembly.

On Wednesday, the Legislature's Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services unanimously recommended the enactment of a new state law mandating age-appropriate water safety training in schools using video modules.

The idea came from state Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, who volunteered to professionally produce the videos at no cost because of the importance of what they'll teach.

"I understand the quiet fear that lives in so many of our young folk, our children," said Spencer, who admitted he's never learned how to swim. "This modest step costs very li

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