Water Safety & Survival

CA Department of Boating and Waterways: Boating Safety & Education for All Ages 
Information about boating education, boating facilities, laws, regulations and more.

Life Jacket Loaner Program – California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) partners with public and private entities to make life jackets available to the public on a loan basis.

Boating Safety Courses (U.S. Coast Guard)
Many boating safety courses are offered throughout the country, for all types of recreational boaters, and for boaters of all ages. Qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, and others sponsor many courses, and many state boating agencies also provide classes.

Water Safety For Kids: AquaSMART Live! 
While playing in the water can be fun, it can also be dangerous.
The AquaSMART Live! Puppet Show presentation teaches students water and boating safety lessons that can help save lives.

  • Download a free Kids Activity Book that includes activity lessons for water and boating safety.
  • Book an AquaSMART Puppet Show for your school:
    With thousands of miles of coastlines and thousands of lakes, reservoirs and other odies of water in California, there is no doubt that Californians spend time recreating in the water. AquaSMART Live! teaches students how to recreate safely in and around California waterways.Obtain free AquaSMART safety videos and books for grade levels K-8th and young adult.

Water Safety At Home
Facts, tips, and resources about water safety in the home.

Swimming Safety Tips
Facts, tips, and resources about swimming safety.

Boating Safety Tips
Facts, tips, and resources about boating safety.

Life Jackets & the Law
Under California law, every child under 13 years of age on a moving recreational vessel of any length must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition and of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the activity.

Additional helpful links

For more information about boating safety and water survival classes, please visit the following websites: