Governor's Letter on Drowning Prevention
With the approach of summer weather and the swimming season, Governor Newsom issued his support of Drowning Prevention. Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths among children ages five and under. The Governor urges all Californians to enjoy activities but remain vigilant around babies and toddlers, and swimmers of all ages.
Drowning Prevention Resources
- Drowning Prevention Foundation:
- Water Safety Tips
- Protect your Child Against Bathtub Drownings: English | Spanish
- Find more pool safety resources on the Drowning Prevention Foundation website
- American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Preventing Drowning
- Injury Prevention Coloring Books for download: English | Spanish
- Kids Health- Water Safety Instructions: English | Spanish
- Drowning Prevention Toolkit – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Stop In-Home Drowning Poster: English | Spanish
- Self-Advocates Wellness & Safety Bulletins
- Vendors or Providers Wellness & Safety Bulletins
- Infant Swimming Resource
- California Coalition for Children’s Safety and Health
California's Caseload of Near Drowning as Risk Factors
- By Age Groups — December 2024
- By Residence Type — December 2024
The source of data on these graphs has been extracted from the Client Development and Evaluation Report (CDER), at the Department of Developmental Services.
Victims of near drowning accidents often experience disabilities for the remainder of their lives. These include central nervous system damage contributing to varying levels of brain damage, resulting in loss of memory, seizures, learning disabilities, paralysis, and sometimes coma. The surviving victims may also experience a lifetime of multiple medical problems including respiratory, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular disorders.
Drowning Deaths of Young Children Residing in California
Children Age 0 through 5 years
| Year | Pool Drowning | Pool and Other Drowning Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 35 | 50 |
| 2022 | 26 | 43 |
| 2021 | 36 | 49 |
| 2020 | 37 | 50 |
| 2019 | 35 | 53 |
| 2018 | 32 | 55 |
| 2017 | 23 | 51 |
| 2016 | 31 | 45 |
| 2015 | 31 | 47 |
| 2014 | 33 | 52 |
| 2013 | 39 | 60 |
| 2012 | 27 | 44 |
| 2011 | 30 | 58 |
| 2010 | 40 | 54 |
| Average | 33 | 51 |
Source: CDPH Vital Statistic Death Statistical Master Files and CDPH California Comprehensive Death Files
Prepared by: CDPH, Center for Healthy Communities – Injury and Violence Prevention Branch
Current Laws
Require existing and new public swimming pools to be equipped with anti-entrapment devices and systems in order to prevent physical entrapment of swimmers.
California Health & Safety
- Senate Bill 442 (Chaptered 670, statutes of 2017), Newman
Requires two of seven safety barriers to keep children from accessing pools. The new law makes the Pool Safety Act uniform across the state and affects new pools, pools being updated and pools associated with a home sale. This approach enhances pool safety and does not take the place of active supervision. Sponsors: Drowning Prevention Foundation, California Coalition for Children’s Safety and Health Program, California Pool and Spa Association, and other pool and water safety advocates. - Assembly Bill 1020, Emmerson. Public swimming pools: anti-entrapment devices and systems.
(Source: Official California Legislative Information) - Assembly Bill 2114, Smyth. Swimming Pool Safety.
(Source: Official California Legislative Information)
California Department of Public Health
Department of Child Care Licensing
Department of Boating and Waterway
Last modified: April 24, 2025
