A new law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday requires youth athletics coaches to learn how to render life-saving aid — including CPR.

State Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, sponsored the measure. He says that as a parent, he wants every coach to know the basics.

“In our state, sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death for student-athletes,” he said during a recent state Senate committee hearing. “It impacts as many as 23,000 young people annually.

The measure applies to Florida’s public K-12 schools. Coaches must undergo CPR training every two years.

“This bill takes a remarkable step forward and make sure that when we’re not there with our kids, we can rest assure that the training does happen,” Collins said. “The tools are there to provide them that opportunity to have a successful outcome, when something does go wrong.”

Article continues below

More from Jax Today

Artists connect humanity to nature at Cummer

Tropical Storm Sara forms; effects on Florida uncertain

Shade is growing at Jacksonville’s bus stops

Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.

The law also requires an AED, or automated external defibrillator, to be present at all sporting events, including practices and workouts.