What We Do
Programs & Resources
A Layered Approach to Drowning Prevention
No single measure prevents all drownings. The Drowning Prevention Foundation promotes a layered approach — combining physical barriers, swimming ability, supervision, life jackets, and emergency response training to protect Californians of all ages.
Pool Fencing & Barrier Safety
Four-sided pool fencing that completely isolates the pool from the house and yard reduces childhood drowning risk by up to 83%. We educate homeowners, landlords, and communities on California fencing requirements and help families assess their pool barriers.
- Free home pool safety assessments
- California fencing code guidance
- Self-latching, self-closing gate requirements
- Referrals to certified fence installers
- Alarm and cover recommendations
Swim Lessons can reduce drowning events by 88%
Formal swimming instruction reduces drowning risk by 88% in children ages 1–4. We are working with the California Coalition for Children's Safety and Health developing a statewide vouchers/scholarships program for swim lessons to families who cannot afford them, partnering with aquatic centers across California to ensure every child has access to this life-saving skill. Assembly Bill 1005 which passed Calfiornia Legislature and was signed into law by the Governor in 2025 set into motion program development and implementation planning by a collaborative of private and public swimming pools that offer swim lessons, with affiliated drowning prevention organizations and government agencies. This Plan will be presented to the state legislature and Governor in July 2027, with the goals of providing the following:
- Scholarships for low-income families
- Partnerships with 250+ aquatic centers
- Ages 6 months through adult
- Culturally responsive instruction
- Parent water safety orientation included
Water Safety Education
Our water safety curriculum reaches children, parents, and caregivers through schools, community centers, and events. We cover the layers of protection — supervision, barriers, swimming ability, life jackets, and emergency response — in age-appropriate, engaging formats.
- K–12 school curriculum presentations
- Parent and caregiver workshops
- Life jacket loaner programs
- Open water and natural water safety
- Multilingual materials available
CPR & Emergency Response Training
When a drowning occurs, bystander CPR in the first few minutes dramatically improves survival and reduces brain injury. We can connect you with community CPR and rescue breathing training, and distribute emergency response signage with step-by-step instructions for pool areas.
- Hands-only and full CPR with ventilation
- Pool-side emergency response signage
- Rescue equipment use (reaching pole, ring buoy)
- When and how to call 911
- Community training events throughout California
Community Outreach
Drowning disproportionately affects communities of color and low-income families. Our outreach team brings water safety resources directly to neighborhoods, faith communities, schools, and events — in the languages and cultural contexts that resonate.
- Mobile water safety resource units
- Faith community partnerships
- Summer safety campaigns
- Free safety kit distribution
- Bilingual Spanish/English programming
Quick Reference
Essential Water Safety Tips
Install a 4-sided fence at least 5 feet tall with a self-latching gate around every pool.
Never leave a child unattended near water — not even for a moment. Designate a "water watcher."
Enroll children in swim lessons as early as age 1. Swimming ability is a critical layer of protection.
Keep a reaching pole, ring buoy, and emergency signage at every pool.
Learn CPR with rescue breathing. Bystander CPR saves lives in the critical first minutes.
Post 911 and local EMS numbers at the pool. Every second counts in a drowning emergency.
Further Reading
Trusted Resources
We partner with and recommend these organizations and resources for additional water safety information.
California Pool Safety Law (AB 3305)
Requirements for residential pool barriers, alarms, and safety features in California.
CDC Drowning Prevention Guidelines
Evidence-based strategies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
USA Swimming Foundation
National programs and research supporting swim lesson access and water safety.
American Red Cross Water Safety
Comprehensive water safety resources, courses, and certification programs.
NDPA Drowning Prevention Resources
National Drowning Prevention Alliance tools, statistics, and advocacy resources.
Pool Safely — CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission pool and spa safety campaign materials.
In a Drowning Emergency — Call 911 Immediately
If someone is drowning: call 911, throw a flotation device, use a reaching pole — do not jump in unless you are a trained rescuer. Begin CPR immediately if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Bring Our Programs to Your Community
We partner with schools, cities, fire departments, and community organizations across California. Contact us to learn how we can work together.