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Table of Contents

About

Forward

Introduction

Key drowning facts

Drowning statistics 2016-2021

Strategy Framework

Priorities

Action levels

CA-WSS Priorities

Using the CA-WSS

Priority 1: Public significance

Priority 2: Data

Priority 3: Everyone a swimmer

Priority 4: Safe at all ages

Priority 5: Pools

Priority 6: Open water

Priority 7 Lifeguards

Priority 8: Water Emergency

Preparedness

Next steps

Acknowledgements

References

Water Safety Strategy

Forward CA-Water Safety Strategy

Forward from the California Water Safety Coalition

On behalf of the California Water Safety Coalition, we are pleased to present the California Water Safety Strategy (CA-WSS).

Each year in California, over 400 people die from drowning and more than 1,200 are involved in non-fatal drowning incidents which require a visit to the emergency department or hospitalization. Each one of these events is tragic and preventable.

This is California’s first strategy specific to preventing drowning in the state, the result of nearly two years of stakeholder consultation and research. The collaborative development process re-enforced just how complex and multifaceted this problem is, and encouraged us to pursue all drowning issues. To this end, the CA-WSS serves as an aligning agenda for all. It is our hope that California’s drowning prevention stakeholders both see themselves in this strategy and are pushed and inspired to take new action.

The strategy framework presented here is intended to provide guidance on policies and priorities of state and local governments and organizations and stimulate collaborative action by local communities. We know that as drowning prevention in California evolves and advances, this strategy will require review and updates.

Core to the success of this ongoing process is our collective commitment to preventing drowning, no single government, organization or individual can do this alone.

Finally, while the release of this strategy marks an important milestone in California’s efforts to prevent drowning and aquatic injury in the state, it is not the first. This work stands on the shoulders of decades of experience and advocacy in California, especially from those who have lost loved ones to drowning. To these tireless champions, we owe a great debt of gratitude.

In closing, we would like to acknowledge the many people that contributed their expertise, time and energy to the CA-WSS. We welcome your feedback as this important work advances and will strive to continue listening and learning as we work together to save lives from drowning in California.