The Seal Beach City Council meeting on June 23, 2025, focused heavily on drowning prevention, with presentations from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) highlighting alarming statistics and personal stories to raise awareness about water safety.

Division Chief Kobe Go addressed the council, expressing concern over the nine drownings that have already occurred this year, including a tragic incident involving a council member's three-year-old daughter. He emphasized that drowning is a preventable tragedy, urging parents and caregivers to maintain vigilant supervision of children around water. Chief Go shared a powerful video illustrating the dangers of unsupervised children, stressing that even a momentary distraction can lead to disaster.

The presentation outlined critical drowning statistics, noting that for every fatal drowning, there are five nonfatal incidents, many resulting in severe disabilities. Chief Go also pointed out the emotional toll on families, including increased rates of divorce following a drowning incident. He highlighted that most drownings occur in familiar environments, such as backyard pools, where distractions are common.

The OCFA advocates for the "ABCs" of water safety: Active Adult Supervision, Barriers, and Classes. Chief Go distributed "water watcher" tags to encourage adults to remain focused while supervising children in water. He also discussed the importance of swim lessons and CPR training, noting that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged one to four.

In a related discussion, community members shared personal experiences that underscored the importance of preparedness and training. Eric Doshbock recounted a recent incident at a Pony Baseball game where lifeguards successfully revived a coach who suffered a heart attack, thanks to their training and the availability of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This incident highlighted the critical role of lifeguards and the need for continued support and funding for training and safety equipment.

The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement in drowning prevention efforts, with Chief Go encouraging the city to partner with OCFA in spreading awareness through social media and local events. The council's commitment to enhancing water safety measures and supporting lifeguard training was reaffirmed, emphasizing the shared responsibility of protecting children and preventing drowning tragedies in Seal Beach.