Open Water
California Water Safety Priority 6
Goal: To ensure open water environments (oceans, lakes, rivers) in California are safe places for activity and leisure.
Action Plan Expanded
The California Water Safety Coalition's Open Water Action Plan and the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) Drowning Policy provide a robust framework for enhancing safety in open water environments. Both organizations stress the importance of comprehensive strategies to prevent drowning and ensure safe recreational activities in lakes, rivers, and oceans.
The California Water Safety Coalition's strategy focuses on increasing public awareness and education about the unique risks associated with open water. This includes promoting the use of life jackets for all ages, especially for children and weak swimmers, as well as advocating for swimming in designated areas with lifeguards present. The coalition also supports training programs for lifeguards and first responders to enhance their skills in open water rescues, ensuring a swift and effective response in emergencies.
The AAP's Drowning Policy emphasizes the critical role of parental supervision and the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) in open water settings. According to the AAP, drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death among children, and many of these incidents occur in open water. The AAP recommends that children and adolescents always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets* when swimming or boating in open water. Additionally, the AAP advises parents and caregivers to be vigilant and stay within arm's reach of young children when they are near water.
Both the California Water Safety Coalition and the AAP highlight the need for public education campaigns to inform communities about the hazards of open water and the importance of safety measures. These campaigns can include distributing educational materials, organizing community events, and leveraging social media to spread awareness. By implementing these strategies, communities can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and ensure that everyone can safely enjoy California's beautiful open water environments.
Support for Lifejacket Loaner Programs should be consider near community access to ocean, lakes, and rivers where people congregate for recreational water activities.
*LIFEJACKET LOANER PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Life Jacket Loaner Program - Sea Tow Foundation (boatingsafety.com)