May 2009, as “Drowning Prevention Month” - Proclamation by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

05/08/2009 Print Version |

May 2009, as “Drowning Prevention Month”

PROCLAMATION

by the

Governor of the State of California

Warm weather brings California lots of sunshine, perfect for swimming and relaxing at pools and beaches. But it is vital that while enjoying these activities, we also take care to prevent drowning. The majority of drowning accidents occur between the months of May and October, and as we begin the summer season, we must ensure that all our residents, young and old, have the knowledge they need to be safe.

Approximately half of all child-drowning accidents occur in residential swimming pools, and drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths among youth under the age of five in our state. In 2007, sixty-three children in this age group drowned. Those who survive these incidents often suffer permanent brain damage resulting in disabilities. These are horrific facts, but we can take a stand and change them.

Most drowning accidents can be avoided through education. Safety devices, including putting a gate around backyard pools and locking it, close supervision, warning children of the potential dangers of drowning and putting your young ones in swimming lessons can all help decrease the risks. Additionally, the Department of Developmental Services, in partnership with the Drowning Prevention Foundation and the Department of Public Health, has created a helpful awareness program and a website with information to prevent drowning accidents. You may visit the website at www.dds.ca.gov/drowning.

I encourage all Californians to take necessary and sensible precautions to prevent drowning accidents, as well as share their wisdom with others. Our safety is essential, and together we can achieve our goal of reducing these occurrences across our state.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 2009, as “Drowning Prevention Month.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8th day of May 2009.

ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California

ATTEST:
DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State


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05/08/2009 Print Version \| May 2009, as “Drowning Prevention Month” PROCLAMATION by the Governor of the State of California Warm weather brings California lots of sunshine, perfect for swimming and relaxing at pools and beaches. But it is vital that while enjoying these activities, we also take care to prevent drowning. The majority of drowning accidents occur between the months of May and October, and as we begin the summer season, we must ensure that all our residents, young and old, have the knowledge they need to be safe. Approximately half of all child-drowning accidents occur in residential swimming pools, and drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths among youth under the age of five in our state. In 2007, sixty-three children in this age group drowned. Those who survive these incidents often suffer permanent brain damage resulting in disabilities. These are horrific facts, but we can take a stand and change them. Most drowning accidents can be avoided through education. Safety devices, including putting a gate around backyard pools and locking it, close supervision, warning children of the potential dangers of drowning and putting your young ones in swimming lessons can all help decrease the risks. Additionally, the Department of Developmental Services, in partnership with the Drowning Prevention Foundation and the Department of Public Health, has created a helpful awareness program and a website with information to prevent drowning accidents. You may visit the website at www.dds.ca.gov/drowning. I encourage all Californians to take necessary and sensible precautions to prevent drowning accidents, as well as share their wisdom with others. Our safety is essential, and together we can achieve our goal of reducing these occurrences across our state. NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 2009, as “Drowning Prevention Month.” IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 8th day of May 2009. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER Governor of California ATTEST: DEBRA BOWEN Secretary of State Email the Governor \| Email Alerts \| Internship Program \| Technical Contact \| RSS Feeds \| Site Map \| Privacy Policy \| Conditions of Use \| Office Contact CA State Homepage \| Save Our Water © 2009 State of California	Gov. Schwarzenegger on Twitter Gov. Newsroom on Twitter MORE PUBLIC SAFETY PROCLAMATIONS 10/1/09 - October 2009, as “School Bus Safety Month” 09/25/09 - September 25, 2009, as “California Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims” 07/19/09 - July 19-25, 2009, as “Probation Services Week” 05/17/09 - May 17-23, 2009, as “Emergency Medical Services Week”