Data

California Senate Bill 855, also known as the Childhood Drowning Data Collection Pilot Program, was signed into law in 2022. The primary objective of this bill is to establish a statewide system for systematically collecting and analyzing data on childhood drownings. The goal is to identify specific risk factors, improve drowning prevention strategies, and inform public policy.

Key components of SB 855 include:

1. Establishment of a Pilot Program: The California Department of Public Health is required to establish the Childhood Drowning Data Collection Pilot Program by January 1, 2024. This program will focus on collecting detailed data on both fatal and nonfatal drownings among children, with a particular emphasis on incidents involving children aged one to four years.

2. Collaboration with Local Agencies: By July 1, 2024, the Department of Public Health will collaborate with at least five but no more than ten county child death review teams or other local agencies that collect data on drowning incidents. This collaboration will primarily target counties with historically high drowning rates.

3. Data Collection and Reporting: The pilot program will track child drowning fatalities and gather comprehensive information on the circumstances surrounding these incidents. The program will also explore ways to track nonfatal drownings if feasible. By January 1, 2026, the Department of Public Health must submit a report to the legislature detailing the progress and findings of the pilot program, including recommendations for improving pool safety and developing ongoing data collection systems.

4. Long-term Objectives: The aim of SB 855 is to create a uniform reporting system that will help develop best practices for drowning prevention, enhance community interventions, and support effective state and local policies. This systematic approach is expected to address the current gaps and inconsistencies in drowning data collection across California.

During the California Water Safety Summit in April 2024, there were discussions of the system that will be considered. Objectives and possible considerations regarding an open-ended system that could gather adult drowning data also were discussed.