SB 855 Childhood Drowning Data Collection Pilot Program
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB) is implementing the Childhood Drowning Data Collection Pilot Program (Pilot Program), enacted by SB 855, Ch. 817, Statutes of 2022.
The three-year Pilot Program will establish a comprehensive, coordinated, and data-driven approach to childhood drowning prevention. The Pilot Program requires CDPH to (1) work with 5-10 counties to collect detailed and relevant data on childhood drownings, (2) establish and convene an advisory group with expertise in childhood drowning prevention, (3) develop and submit two reports to the Legislature on the progress of the pilot program, (4) develop standard childhood drowning data reporting protocols and electronic forms, and (5) facilitate the creation of a California Water Safety Action Plan for Children, all by January 1, 2027.
Program Goal
Develop an approach for a statewide drowning surveillance system that includes consistent, systematic reporting and analysis of data that can be used to identify risk and protective factors for drowning incidents (including specific groups, communities, and sites, as well as modifiable factors such as pool barriers and swim lessons) and inform recommendations for effective local and state drowning prevention interventions and policies.
Pilot Counties and Partners
CDPH will invite 5-10 counties to participate in the Pilot Program. Participation will involve:
An introductory meeting with the CDPH team and participation in key informant interview(s) about your jurisdiction’s current drowning-related data collection systems and needs
Asset mapping to identify what is available and what is needed to have a robust drowning prevention surveillance system in place in your jurisdiction
Support from the CDPH team on data analysis and dissemination
Inclusion in two legislative reports for SB 855
CDPH is receiving support from the CDC Foundation, through their philanthropic partners, to expand the Pilot Program to include data on fatal and non-fatal drownings among adults in California. As such, data collection will include drownings across the lifespan. The National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention (NCFRP) is currently running a national pilot program to develop a standardized drowning death scene investigation form for enhanced drowning data collection and has offered to share relevant resources to counties participating in California’s Pilot Program.