Drowning is Preventable in California- Resources and Information

California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) Aquatics Section and local aquatics providers are working to provide you with the methods, information and tools to prevent needless drowning in California. This website includes links to community water safety information, events and resources.

As over 1,500 children and teens die annually in the United States from drowning incidents, please use this website as a resource to educate yourself and others in the community to work together to reduce the second leading cause of death for children ages 1-14.

Below you will find links to some of the important State and Federal laws that address pool safety in order to reduce drowning and other aquatic injuries:

State of California: Title 22 - Swimming Pool Codes and Regulations - find link below.

Federal Legislation: Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Pool and Spa Safety Act: (enacted 12-19-08)
Compherensive pool and spa safety requirements and grant funding for state and local government to promote awareness, education and outreach on pool safety. Please click below for adopted bill information:

Every Month is Water Safety Month in California

Although the State of California calls May "Drowning Prevention Month in California" we believe EVERY month is drowning prevention month in California. Please join in promoting the following pool and water safety prevention tips:
1. Always maintain adult supervision around any body of water.
    a. It only takes seconds- never leave children or non-swimmers unattended.
    b. Appoint and clearly assign a pool adult supervisor for your pool area.
    c. Kids are fearless and do not understand the fatal consequences of water - do not leave children near a pool or body of water for   any amount of time.
  2. Utilize barriers around all pools- it's the law!
   a. Are your doors out to pools alarmed?
   b. Do you have a safety pool cover?
   c. Do you have a self-latching closing gate and fencing around your pool?
  3. Are you ready for an emergency?
   a. Is there a phone close for an emergency?
   b. Have you taken a CPR class?
   c. Is there rescue equipment near your pool - a shepherd's crook, ring buoy and emergency pump shutoff?