Media Talking Points 2026
2024-06-14
Hypoxic blackout / breath-holding
This is important for strong swimmers, athletes, swim teams, and teens. It deserves its own resource.
Life jacket selection and fit
You mention life jackets often, but a dedicated guide on U.S. Coast Guard-approved jackets, proper fit, when to use them, and what not to rely on would be useful.
Nonfatal drowning
Public-facing language on what nonfatal drowning means, why symptoms after submersion should be taken seriously, and when to seek medical care.
Open Water Risks
A general outline on safety tips.
Pets Risks
A general outline on safety tips.
Pools and Spas General Risks
A general outline on safety tips.
Pool party safety
Designated water watchers, adult rotation, guest children, barriers after the party, alcohol, and emergency planning.
Seasonal California messaging calendar
Spring runoff/cold rivers, summer pools and beaches, winter flooding, holiday travel, and storm-channel warnings
Seizure disorders and other medical conditions
You touched on ASD, but a broader medical-risk sheet could cover epilepsy, cardiac conditions, developmental disabilities, and medication effects.
Water safety for older adults
Medical conditions, medications, alcohol, cold water, boating, and swimming alone.
Water safety for teens
Risk-taking, unsupervised swimming, alcohol, peer pressure, night swimming, canals/rivers, and hypoxic blackout/breath-holding games.
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Alcohol, drugs, and water safety
A media-friendly talking point sheet for adults: boating, swimming, supervising children, river recreation, and parties near pools.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
A general outline on safety tips.
Bathtub and in-home drowning risks
Especially for infants, toddlers, and medically fragile children. Include bathtubs, buckets, toilets, irrigation containers, and pet bowls.
Beach hazards beyond rip currents
Sneaker waves, shore break, cold Pacific water, rocks/jetties, tides, and “never turn your back on the ocean.”
Boating and paddle craft safety
Kayaks, paddleboards, personal watercraft, small boats, lake recreation, and cold-water risks.
Camps and Childcare Risks
A general outline on safety tips.
Canals, irrigation ditches, storm drains, and urban water hazards
Very relevant for California communities, especially after rain or near agricultural areas.
CPR and drowning response
A separate simple guide explaining why rescue breathing matters in drowning, what laypeople should do, and where to get trained.
Drowning data and media reporting guide
A resource for reporters: avoid “near drowning,” distinguish fatal/nonfatal drowning, include prevention context, and avoid blaming families.
Drowning rescue: what bystanders should do
“Reach or throw, don’t go,” call 911, use flotation, avoid becoming a second victim, and start CPR if trained.
Drowning prevention for schools and youth programs
Field trips, water days, camp partnerships, permission slips, swim ability screening, and emergency action plans.
Drowning risk for infants and toddlers
A short parent-facing guide on “drowning can happen in seconds and in very little water,” with supervision, barriers, bath safety, and non-swim-time risk.
Equity and access to swim lessons
Barriers to lessons, transportation, cost, culturally responsive messaging, and community-based solutions.
Floating or Treading water
A general outline on safety tips.
Hotel, vacation rental, and travel water safety
Pools without lifeguards, unfamiliar beaches, vacation rentals with pools, lake cabins, and supervision while traveling.
If you need more detailed information or further assistance, feel free to contact us.