Inicio Departments Public Safety Drowning Prevention DROWNING PREVENTION In 2016, Orange County had 106 drowning incidents with 39 fatalities. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of five and can happen in less than two inches of water. During the summer months of May through August, drowning rates nationally increase by 89% in comparison to the other months of the year. Therefore, having knowledge of drowning prevention strategies and practicing water safety is vital to ensuring that the hot summer months are filled with fun and free of accidents. In an effort to help reduce drowning incidents and educate the community about drowning prevention, the City has contributed $5,000 to the Orange County Fire Authority's Drowning Prevention campaign. Essential Water Safety Tips Most drownings are preventable with simple, yet essential safety tips that can keep you and your loved ones safe, cool, and having fun during the hot summer months. Lock it up - Keep pools gated and locked. Home pools should be enclosed with a locked fence that is at least 4 feet high. Safety first - Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when out on boats. Children should also wear a life jacket when swimming in any body of water. Keep a watchful eye - Always supervise children in the water at all times. Children can drown within seconds, not minutes and there is typically no indicator that it is happening. Get swimming lessons - Knowing how to swim is a huge benefit to both adults and children as it helps to reduce the risk of drowning. No alcohol - Stay sober, alcohol and water don't mix so don't drink if you are boating, swimming or supervising children in the water. Learn CPR - Knowing CPR is a must. CPR can save lives if given quickly after a water accident. Have some water safety tips you would like to share? Make sure to stop by our community contests page to find out more information about our Pool Safely Community Tips contest. Additional Information Interested in learning more about water safety? Check out our Quick Links section for additional resources on water safety and take a look at these videos from the Orange County Fire Authority and the Anaheim Ducks. OC Drowning Task Force PSA w/ Anaheim Ducks (Short) from Orange County Fire Authority on Vimeo. OCFA's 2016 Drowning Prevention PSA - English from Orange County Fire Authority on Vimeo. Public Safety Alert OC Business Watch Neighborhood Watch Emergency Preparedness Internet Safety Know Before You Fly Living With Urban Wildlife CERT Drowning Prevention Traffic Injury Prevention Catalytic Converter Theft Electric Bicycles