05/01/2008 Print Version |
In California, drowning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children under the age of five. Our state also sees a large number of near-drowning accidents which can result in serious and permanent injuries. Incidents such as these are often preventable and we must take immediate action to help keep them from happening.
Half of all child drowning accidents occur in home swimming pools, so we must be extremely vigilant when our children are playing in or around the pool. By warning children of the potential dangers and keeping them under adult supervision at all times, many accidents and tragedies can be avoided.
The California Department of Developmental Services, in cooperation with the Drowning Prevention Foundation and the California Department of Public Health, has developed a public education awareness program to help prevent drowning. I urge all Californians to visit www.dds.ca.gov/drowning to check out the great information that is available.
As summer approaches and we begin to spend more time around the water, I urge all Californians to be cautious. By working together, I am confident that we can help reduce the number of drowning accidents in our state.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 2008, 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 25th day of April 2008.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
Governor of California
ATTEST:
DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State
