The Challenge

Drowning is a major problem globally, in the United States and in the State of California. Approximately 400 drowning deaths occur each year in California, in addition to non-fatal events resulting in another 400 hospitalizations and over 1,000 emergency department visits per year.  Each submersion event affects multiple lives: the person who drowns, family members, rescuers, and the community at large. Moreover, both fatal and non-fatal drowning events are associated with complex emotional, economic and societal costs that justify robust prevention and risk reduction efforts.

Many organizations including governmental bodies, private industry and non-profit groups are involved in water safety and drowning prevention in the State of California. These actors focus on a variety of water safety and drowning prevention topics and many have a track record for collaboration, but do not work together in any official capacity. In other states and countries, diverse arrays of water safety stakeholders collaborate in multi-sectoral organized coalitions or alliances to improve the efficacy and impact of their work.

Your Donations Help