Open Water

Why is this a Priority?

California is home to a vibrant ecosystem of natural waterways used by residents and tourists alike. The state’s pristine beaches, rivers and lakes are important places for both recreation and industry; ensuring the safety of those who visit and work in open water environments is critical for maintaining a thriving tourism and recreation industry.

Data indicates that over half of fatal drowning incidents occurred in an open water environment. Importantly, 22% of these drowning deaths occurred in rivers and canals,5 an often overlooked environment for water safety. Additionally, while intentional drowning (suicide and homicide) is not usually included in typical drowning prevention discussions, it is worth noting that over half of intentional drowning fatalities occur in coastal spaces.5

This Priority has significant overlap with Priority 7: Lifeguards, as the provision of professionally trained lifeguards is a primary prevention strategy at open water sites. Please see Priority 7 for action areas relevant to open water lifeguarding.

Knowledge Gaps

Despite the fact that the majority of drownings occur in open water environments, little is known about the factors that contribute to drowning in these environments.

Key Data Activities

Conduct Risk Assessments

Land managers should systematically assess and document factors that influence risk at open water swim sites such as physical hazards, usage/ attendance information and social risk factors, and protective measures including signage.

Disaggregate “Natural Water”

A major challenge of current death and injury coding is the grouping of all open water categories into a single “Natural Water” classification.27 Safety strategies differ for ocean, rivers, lakes, etc., understanding drowning trends by each type of open water body will improve prevention efforts.

Improve Location Data

Details on the exact location of drowning incidents will improve the ability to identify drowning hotspots and explore trends and causal factors related to particular high risk locations.

Key Action Areas:

Community Programs and Education

Safety Promotion

Promote both swimming in designated lifeguard areas and using life jackets as key open water drowning prevention strategies.

Risk Communication

Design, develop and deliver representative and inclusive community education programs and campaigns focused on educating the public about open water risks, including rip currents, surf hazards, river safety, and boating safety.

Outdoor Education and Tourism Programs

Incorporate principles of drowning prevention and water safety into programs and tours that expose people to California’s waterways.

Professional Training and Capacity

Response Capacity for Non-Lifeguards

Improve capacity of non-lifeguard emergency responders including fire fighters, police officers, and park rangers, to affect appropriate and safe rescue in open water settings where lifeguards are not present. Train emergency responders on local water hazards in their response areas

Policy and Systems

Open Water Swim Area Guidelines

Develop and adopt guidelines for land managers with open water swim areas in their jurisdiction, setting minimum standards for safety signage, designated swim and recreation zones, public rescue equipment and other flotation devices, and other relevant topics.28

Life Jacket Loan Station Standards

Develop and adopt standards guiding life jacket loaner programs, incorporating inclusive sizing and best practice and evidence where available. Develop and provide legal framework and guidance for implementing programs in new locations.

Industry Partnerships

Co-develop and implement standards for drowning prevention with companies that sell and rent products used in open waterways. For example, Personal Water Crafts, boats, kayaks, surfboards, body boards, swim products and clothing, snorkel equipment, etc.

Boating Collaboration

Partner with the US Coast Guard, the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, industry, and other boating safety stakeholders to improve data and boating safety at the state and local levels.

Action Plans Expanded