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California Department of Developmental Services1600 Ninth Street
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Drowning Prevention
In California, drowning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children under the age of five. Each year, near-drowning incidents result in life-long disabilities. The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Drowning Prevention Foundation continue to raise awareness on this issue, and remind parents and caregivers that drowning is preventable. Follow us @CaliforniaDDS.
Governor's letter on Drowning Prevention
With the approach of summer weather and the swimming season, Governor Brown issued his support of Drowning Prevention. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths among children ages five and under. The Governor urges all Californians to enjoy activities but remain vigilant around babies and toddlers, and swimmers of all ages.
Child Injuries Are Preventable
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information:
- Injury Prevention Coloring Books for download: English | Spanish
- Kids Health: Water Safety Instructions
Videos from PoolSafely and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):
- Simple Steps Video
- Pool Safely Song
- Simple Steps to Safer Pools
Drowning Prevention Information & Links
- American Academy of Pediatrics:
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Policy Statement -- Prevention of Drowning
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Technical Report -- Prevention of Drowning
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Stop in-home drowning poster
- National Center for Injury and Prevention Control — Unintentional Drowning: Fact Sheet
- DDS Safety Net
CALIFORNIA'S CASELOAD OF NEAR DROWNING AS RISK FACTORS
- By Age Groups — December 2016
- By Residence Type — December 2016
The source of data on these graphs has been extracted from the Client Development and Evaluation Report (CDER), at the Department of Developmental Services.
Victims of near drowning accidents often experience disabilities for the remainder of their lives. These include central nervous system damage contributing to varying levels of brain damage, resulting in loss of memory, seizures, learning disabilities, paralysis, and sometimes coma. The surviving victims may also experience a lifetime of multiple medical problems including respiratory, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular disorders.
DROWNING DEATHS OF YOUNG CHILDREN RESIDING IN CALIFORNIA
All Race and Ethnicity for Age 0 through 5 years
| Year | Pool Drowning | Pool and other Drowning Total |
| 2014 | 33 | 52 |
| 2013 | 39 | 60 |
| 2012 | 27 | 44 |
| 2011 | 30 | 58 |
| 2010 | 40 | 54 |
| Average | 34 | 54 |
Source: CDPH Vital Statistic Death Statistical Master Files.
See Epicenter: http://epicenter.cdph.ca.gov.
Current Laws
Require existing and new public swimming pools to be equipped with anti-entrapment devices and systems in order to prevent physical entrapment of swimmers.
California Health & Safety:
- Assembly Bill 1020, Emmerson. Public swimming pools: anti-entrapment devices and systems.
(Source: Official California Legislative Information) - Assembly Bill 2114, Smyth. Swimming Pool Safety.
(Source: Official California Legislative Information)
California Department of Public Health:
Department of Child Care Licensing:
- Regulations for Pools/Bodies of Water at child care facility
- California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12 for Child Care Regulations
Department of Boating and Waterways:
Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act)
PRESS
Sacramento Bee Editorial: Warm weather should remind us to keep kids safe from drowning
Drowning Prevention Foundation Publications and Video
- Safety Guidelines English
Steps to avoid drowning accidents include close and constant supervision of children at all times near water and provision of multiple layers of protection, including pool fencing, gates, automatic sliding door closers, pool alarms and automatic safety covers. - Water Safety Tips
- Except you Can't Replay Life (Video)
- Protect your Child Against Bathtub Drownings English | Spanish
For assistance with locating drowning prevention resources, contact:
The Drowning Prevention Foundation
Nadina Riggsbee, President/Founder
Phone: (707) 747-0191
E-mail: nriggsbee@comcast.net
Office of Communications (916) 654-1802
Department of Developmental Services