TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCJB) – Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the leading cause of death of student athletes across the country. A new law in Florida effective on July 1 is hoping to change that by requiring high school coaches to be certified in life-saving measures.

Around 2,000 people under the age of 25 die every year from sudden cardiac arrest. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimated a high school athlete dies from it every three days.

“I think a lot more people are prepared,” Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Crews said.

Tariq Barfield was a freshman at Tallahassee’s Godby High School when his heart stopped beating during track practice in 2014.

“He just was a kid that can’t be replaced, and I’m going to love him from now on until I pass,” Tariq’s father Winford Barfield told WCTV in 2014.

Florida is trying to prevent that from happening. High school coaches must now be certified in First Aide, CPR and AED. Crews said it should be easy for schools to adjust.

“For the most part, I think everybody is already probably doing that anyway. I know 15 years ago when I coached at Godby we did it,” Crews said.

The idea is to make sure everyone is safe on and off the field.

“It’s for the safety of our students. We know a lot of our students do participate in athletic programs and to make sure that access is readily available,” Florida PTA President Jude Bruno said.

Crews said this sort of training will be good for the community.

“At the end of the day, we’re trying to create good student-athletes and good citizens and good community leaders. I think that’s just part of what goes with it,” Crews said.

Crews said the Florida High School Athletic Association and Department of Education already have some first aid requirements.