PROCLAMATION OF
THE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL
PROCLAIMING MAY 2026, AS
WATER SAFETY AND DOWNING PREVENTION MONTH
IN THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
WHEREAS, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death, particularly among children, and remains a preventable public health issue affecting communities across the nation, including the City of San Bernardino; and WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year in the United States an average of 11 lives lost every day, and an estimated 8,000 individuals receive emergency care for non-fatal drowning incidents annually; and
WHEREAS, drowning can occur quickly and silently, often in less than two minutes, and disproportionately impacts children, underserved communities, and individuals without access to water safety education and swim instruction; and WHEREAS, research consistently shows that participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children by up to 88 percent; and WHEREAS, the City of San Bernardino is committed to advancing water safety through education, access, and prevention strategies aligned with statewide efforts such as the California Water Safety Strategy; and
WHEREAS, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, through its Aquatics Division, provides critical services including swim lessons, lifeguard supervision, public education, and community outreach events that promote safe behaviors in and around the water; and
WHEREAS, drowning prevention requires a layered approach including active supervision, water competency skills, life jacket use, and awareness of aquatic conditions to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED THAT, the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, do hereby proclaim May 2026 as Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Month in the City of San Bernardino and commend the City of San Bernardino Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Aquatics Division, for their continued efforts to prevent drowning and promote water safety for all residents and visitors; and that they encourage everyone to practice safe behaviors in and around the water this summer and throughout the year
Presented on the 6th day of May 2026