Water Safety
In California, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages four and under, and the second leading cause for children ages five to fourteen.
The families with the least access to swim instruction are overwhelmingly the same communities Surf Justice Collective works to connect with the ocean. That's why water safety is inseparable from our access mission.
Access Without Safety Isn’t Access
Opening the coast to everyone means making sure everyone can be safe when they get there. In California, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages four and under, and the second leading cause for children ages five to fourteen.
The families with the least access to swim instruction are overwhelmingly the same communities SJC works to connect with the ocean. That’s why water safety is inseparable from our access mission.
AB 1005: The Swim Lesson Voucher Program
SJC supported the passage of AB 1005, which allows nonprofits to distribute water safety resources and information to students in schools all year long instead of just at the beginning of the year or when they first join a school.
SJC’s Role
SJC is working with several other nonprofits to develop and propose a swim voucher program across California to provide free swim lessons to children under 18 in families earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level. After this 18-month planning process, we will submit a formal plan to the Governor for an equitable, statewide implementation of the voucher program.
Our focus is ensuring that the program design reflects the needs of the communities our member organizations serve — families who have historically been excluded from both the coast and the safety infrastructure needed to enjoy it.
What Families Need to Know
This section provides practical water safety resources and will be updated as the AB 1005 voucher program launches.
Drowning Prevention Foundation
Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego believes that drowning is preventable and it is our mission to engage the community in a continuum of water safety programs and initiatives that provide access to the life-saving skill of swimming.
California Water Safety Action Plan for Children
The CA-WSS aims to reduce drowning and aquatic injuries by fostering collaboration among local communities, government agencies, and organizations.
Life jacket loaner programs
California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) partners with public and private entities to make life jackets available to the public on a loan basis.
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