The South San Joaquin County Fire Authority's Water Watchers Program is designed to educate the community on tips and resources on water safety. Our goal is to familiarize you with statistics surrounding water hazards and provide you with the tools and tips to safely prevent any incidents while you are on water watch.

Water Watchers Brochure

Water Watchers Video

Children Drown Without A Sound

STATISTICS

• Drowning is the leading cause of preventable death for children ages 1 - 4.
• In California, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 14.
• Children less than a year old are more likely to drown at home in a bathroom or contained area such as a bucket.
• Children ages 1 - 4 are more likely to drown in a pool. 
• Children 5 years of age and older are more likely to drown in open water such as the ocean, lake, pond, or rivers. 

PREVENTION INFORMATION AND TIPS

• Install warning alarms on doors and windows leading to the water. 
• Install a non-climbable fence at 4.5 feet tall that separates the pool/spa from the residence. 
• Install self-closing and self-latching gates leading to the pool/spa. Ensure that these latches are above a child's reach. Gates should open outward. 
• Always assign an adult as a "water watcher" when there are people in the water.
• Think BRIGHT when buying swimwear. The chart below from ALIVE Solutions shows how well you can see various colored swimsuits underwater in a light bottom swimming pool. These contrasts will also vary depending on the type of pool finish and will vary significantly in murky or dark water (such as an ocean, river, lake or pond).