2023 Calaveras Water Safety and Life Jacket Campaign
July 14, 2023 - Calaveras County Public Health and the Sheriff’s Office are partnering to provide free water safety education and life jackets to children and their 
caregivers. The 2023 Calaveras Water Safety campaign is intended to help reduce the number of drownings and injuries that commonly occur in local waterways.
Free water safety kits, boating education, life jackets and fittings will be made available to Calaveras County residents under the age of 18 at the following sites:
- Lake Camanche Marina Boat Launch – Saturday, July 15th – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
o There is an $18 entrance fee for all vehicles. - New Hogan Lake Fiddleneck Boat Launch – Saturday, July 29th – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
o There is a $5 entrance fee for Fiddleneck Recreation areas.
Additional dates and locations will be released for August. Materials will be made available to the public out of the Calaveras County Public Health Office while supplies last.
Calaveras County Health Officer, Dr. Rene Ramirez, reminds everyone, “Local lakes and rivers are busy during summer. You can prevent injury or death by wearing a life jacket, watching children in the water, and avoiding alcohol and other substances while swimming or driving a boat.”
If you are planning on visiting a local lake or river, you can prevent drowning with the following tips:
- Learn basic swimming and water safety skills.
- Supervise children closely.
- Wear a life jacket.
- Learn CPR.
- Know the risks of natural waters.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Use the buddy system.
Bret Harte Aquatic Center offers summer group swim lessons and private swim lessons for those interested in learning basic swimming and water safety skills.
For more information on waterway safety, please visit the California Department of Boating and Waterways.
Source: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office
